The Negros Island Region’s (NIR) Visayan Vipers are hoping for victories at the 66th Palarong Pambansa, which opens in Agusan del Sur on Sunday, May 24.
This will be the first time that the athletes under the newly created NIR will see action in the Palarong Pambansa, and they are hopeful, Ramir Uytico, Department of Education (DepEd) NIR director, said on Friday.
“We are hoping for the best for the NIR athletes,” he said.
The screening of athletes and coaches was conducted by the National Screening and Accreditation Committee in Agusan on Friday.
New events for the 2026 Palarong Pambansa include weightlifting, football for secondary girls, and futsal for elementary girls, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.
Demonstration sports such as karate, kickboxing, and soft tennis will be featured, while Muay Thai and selected Paragames events—sitting volleyball and table tennis—will be staged as exhibitions to promote inclusivity.
“We believe that through a fairer and more inclusive Palarong Pambansa this year, every young athlete will be given greater opportunities to fully showcase their talent, potential, and excellence,” Angara added.*
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