The Davao Eagles received a morale boost Sunday, May 17, after the Department of Education (DepEd) Davao Region held a send-off ceremony for the 771-member delegation bound for the 2026 Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur from May 24 to 31.
Regional officials, coaches, and local government representatives rallied behind the delegation during the ceremony at Mintal Elementary School gymnasium in Davao City, encouraging athletes to compete with discipline, determination, and pride for the region.
DepEd Davao regional director Allan G. Farnazo urged the athletes to stay focused as they prepare to face the country’s top young competitors.
“Mga bata, tuloy ang laban (Kids, keep fighting)!,”Farnazo told the delegation.
Farnazo also assured athletes they would immediately receive incentives once officially declared medal winners, even before medals are formally awarded.
“Kahit hindi pa naibigay ang gold medal, ngunit officially na-declare na kayo na may gold medal, igagawad kaagad namin sa inyo ang inyong incentive. Hindi namin kayo patutulugin para maghintay (Even if the gold medal has not yet been physically awarded, once you are officially declared winners, we will immediately release your incentives. We will not make you wait overnight)," he said.
Department of Education Davao City Schools Division Superintendent Reynante A. Solitario reminded the delegation that the journey to the Palarong Pambansa represented more than medals and competition.
DepEd Davao City schools division superintendent Reynante A. Solitario described the send-off ceremony as a celebration of sacrifice and perseverance.
“Today is not just a simple send-off ceremony. Today is the celebration of dreams, discipline, sacrifice, and the fighting spirit of every Davraa athlete who will carry the pride of the Davao region to the grand stage of the Palarong Pambansa 2026," Solitario said.
He praised the athletes for enduring months of sacrifice and intense preparation to earn spots in the regional delegation.
“To our athletes, you are not here by accident. You earned your place through hard work, perseverance, and determination,” Solitario said. “Behind every medal dream is early morning training, physical exhaustion, moments of self-doubt, and countless sacrifices. Yet you continued because you believed in yourselves and because many people believed in you.”
Solitario also urged the athletes to compete with character and integrity, reminding them they represent not only their schools but the entire Davao Region.
“Winning is important, but character is greater than any medal,” he added.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, through a message delivered by Councilor Antoinette “Petite” Principe, encouraged the athletes to uphold sportsmanship and bring pride to their hometowns and families.
“It is a great honor and pride that the city government of Davao extends its utmost well wishes to the Davao Eagles delegation as you compete in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa," the mayor said in his message. “Regardless of the outcome, take comfort in the knowledge that you have already brought immense pride to your hometowns, schools, and respected families,” the mayor said in his message.
DepEd Davao regional spokesperson Dodong Atillo told SunStar Davao that the first batch of delegates left for Bunawan National High School in Agusan del Sur on Monday morning, May 18, while athletes training at the Davao del Norte Sports Complex in Tagum City were scheduled to follow later in the day.
As of Monday press time, the first batch of the Davao Eagles delegation had already arrived at their billeting quarters.
Aside from athletes, the delegation includes coaches, assistant coaches, and chaperones, along with around 170 to 180 DepEd officials from across the Davao Region.
Atillo expressed confidence in the delegation’s chances in this year’s Palarong Pambansa and asked Dabawenyos to continue supporting the Davao Eagles through prayers and encouragement. Reynaldo Maynagcot and Jerry Sero/UM, SunStar Interns