PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (MindaNews / 12 March) —The province of Agusan del Sur has submitted its bid to host the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, showcasing the DO Plaza Memorial Sports Complex here, which boasts of world-class sporting facilities.
Governor Santiago Cane Jr., First District Representative Alfelito Bascug and Maria Ines Asuncion, Department of Education (DepED) – Caraga regional director, represented the province during the presentation of bids at the DepEd Central Office in Pasig City last March 8.
In an online interview, Cane expressed optimism Agusan del Sur can win the bid, saying that aside from available hotels, all the public schools in towns near the venue will be used to accommodate the 12,000 athletes, coaches and officials expected to participate in the sporting event.
Among those who submitted their bids to the Palarong Pambansa Board are the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Misamis Occidental, and Zamboanga City.
The highlight of the DO Plaza Memorial Sports Complex is its 3,000-seat grandstand, rubberized track, football field with artificial grass, Olympic-sized swimming pool, air-conditioned courts for volleyball and basketball, and other amenities. The rehabilitation of the sports complex was completed last year.
Additional facilities include a 24-room hotel located within the main grandstand and a tennis court.
The province is set to host the Caraga Regional Athletic Meet from May 5 to 11 this year.
Linda Buquir, the provincial engineer, said the rehabilitation project totalled P713 million for Phases 1 and 2, which were implemented by three private contractors since June 2018.
The construction faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which hit the country in 2020.
Construction of the sports complex was initially completed in 1994 during the tenure of the late Governor Democrito O. Plaza, father of Second District Rep. Adolph Edward Plaza.
Plans for its upgrade were shelved following the province’s unsuccessful bid to host the Palarong Pambansa, a national sporting event for schools.
The younger Plaza, then long-time governor, pursued to complete the dream project of his late father in 2018 by enhancing the facilities into world-class standards. (Chris V. Panganiban / MindaNews)
