Terminal Report of Palarong Pambansa 2026 Health, Safety and Welfare Committee

1. Executive Summary

The Palarong Pambansa 2026, hosted in Agusan del Sur, has faced multi hazard risks marked by extreme weather conditions, seismic activity, and a substantial volume of health related incidents. As of May 31, 2026, the total number of clinical encounters reached 4,643, with the majority being injury-related. The games have been significantly affected by persistent heat indices classified as "Extreme Caution to Danger," peaking at 44°C, which necessitated the case by case suspension of outdoor events during peak hours.

Notable incidents include a structural fire at the Talacogon Municipal Gymnasium, multiple tectonic earthquakes requiring emergency evacuations from billeting quarters, and minor resource shortages in Talacogon concerning fuel and cooling equipment. Despite these challenges, the implementation of a unified Incident Management Reporting System (IMRS) indicates that most reported incidents—ranging from medical emergencies to security breaches—have been effectively managed through the collaborative efforts of the Emergency Operations Center and Area Command Teams, comprising various incident management teams, local government units (LGUs), and national agencies.

The Palarong Pambansa 2026 Health, Safety and Welfare Committee has issued a total of 30 Situation Reports and 56 Hourly Heat Index Advisories for the guidance of all athletes, officials and incident management teams.

Data reflected in this report were consolidated from the DepEd - Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service and Bureau of Learner Support Services - School Health Division, Agusan Del Sur Emergency Operations Center, Area Command Teams, local Incident Management Teams, and partner agencies providing health, safety, security, and emergency response support.

2. Health and Medical Services

Medical response teams have effectively handled a considerable caseload throughout the games, reflecting both the physical demands of the competition and the challenges posed by the local environment.

1. Clinical Encounter Data

As of May 31, 2026, health and emergency medical teams have responded to a total of 4,643 health-related incidents since May 16. 

2. Significant Events

   1. Medical Air Evacuation: A successful air evacuation was conducted by the PAF Tactical Operations Group 13 for an injured athlete, transferring them from Prosperidad, Agusan Del Sur to the Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City, Davao Del Norte for specialized treatment. The patient underwent a successful operation and is currently recovering.

   2. Psychological First Aid (PFA): Dedicated booths and interventions were established to support the emotional well-being of young athletes who witnessed sporting accidents.

3. Multi-Hazard Risks

Throughout the event, the primary environmental threats included extreme heat, flooding, and seismic disturbances. No mass casualty incident was reported during the covered period. Reported incidents were managed through coordinated response actions by the Emergency Operations Center, Area Command Teams, local IMTs, and partner agencies.

1. Heat Index: Agusan del Sur has consistently operated under an "Extreme Caution to Danger" warning, with maximum heat indices fluctuating between 34°C and 44°C.

Actions Taken:

1. To address the persistent "Extreme Caution to Danger" heat warnings in Agusan del Sur, where temperatures reached between 34C and 44C, an operational protocol known as "Window Hours" was implemented. This strategy focused on reducing the incidence of heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke by mandating the suspension of all outdoor events and practices during high-risk periods. These designated breaks were based on hourly risk assessments and communicated through bulletins to ensure the safety of all participants.

2. Precipitation: Despite the extreme heat, the region experienced localized light to heavy rain showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoons and evenings.

Actions Taken:

1. Conducted continuous monitoring of weather conditions, rainfall advisories, and thunderstorm developments in coordination with DOST-PAGASA and the Emergency Operations Center.

2. Disseminated weather updates and safety reminders to Area Command Teams, Incident Management Teams, billeting quarters, playing venues, and concerned committees.

3. Coordinated with venue managers and local IMTs for the case-by-case suspension, delay, or resumption of games affected by heavy rainfall.

3. Earthquakes: The region experienced multiple tectonic earthquakes during the games:

   1. May 25 (12:48 AM): A Magnitude 5.6 earthquake near Bayabas, Surigao del Sur, triggered immediate evacuations at billeting quarters, including Bayugan Central Elementary School. Engineering teams conducted subsequent assessments and reported no significant damage.

   2. May 25 (10:32 AM): A Magnitude 5.2 earthquake near Baganga, Davao Oriental.

   3. May 28 (8:26 PM): A Magnitude 4.2 earthquake near Marihatag, Surigao del Sur.

Actions Taken:

1. Prior to the events and game proper, all regional delegations conducted an earthquake drill to simulate safe evacuation, effective coordination, and timely response of local IMTs. 

2. Conducted earthquake risk assessment using the ligtas shakemap to predict affected areas within the Caraga region

3. Coordinated with DOST-PHIVOLCS for official earthquake information and disseminated situation updates and safety reminders to all delegations and concerned committees.

4. Implemented immediate evacuation and conducted headcount in affected billeting quarters following the ground shaking to ensure the safety and whereabouts of athletes, coaches, officials, and delegates.

5. Conducted structural safety assessments of affected billeting quarters, venues, and school facilities through engineering teams and local safety inspectors.

4. Flooding Incidents: Heavy rainfall on May 27 resulted in flooding in 5 billeting quarters, affecting 110 individuals and damaging a tent. Prompt responses were initiated to relocate affected delegates to safer accommodations within the school premises.

Actions Taken:

1. Transferred delegates to safer areas when billeting rooms were flooded, particularly in the reported flooding incidents at Agusan del Sur College and Salvacion Central Elementary School, which affected approximately 89 individuals.

5. Safety and Security Incidents

   1. Fire Incidents: On May 27, 2026, at 12:25 PM, a fire broke out in a storage room at the Talacogon Municipal Gym (the Table Tennis venue). The BFP Talacogon Fire Station extinguished the fire within 15 minutes, with preliminary assessments suggesting the fire may have been exacerbated by the extreme heat. The games were temporarily suspended until safety inspections were completed.

   2. Infrastructure Hazards: Reports included a waterline leak at Agusan del Sur Pilot Laboratory School and electrical sparks on power poles at Bunawan National High School.

   3. Security Incidents: Theft and Property Crime: Multiple theft incidents were reported in Bayugan City, including the theft of delegates' clothing at Salvacion National High School and attempted thefts by outsiders.

   4. Power Interruption: Power interruptions were reported in several billeting quarters, affecting the following delegations and schools:

      1. MIMAROPA – Prosperidad National High School

      2. Region VII – Fili National High School

      3. Region VIII – Sta. Irene National High School and Sta. Irene Elementary School

      4. Region II – Prosperidad East Central Elementary School

The incidents were immediately reported to the concerned local Incident Management Teams, school/billeting managers, and the Emergency Operations Center for appropriate coordination. The availability and operational readiness of generators in the affected billeting schools were checked and coordinated to provide temporary power support, particularly for essential lighting, communication, security, and welfare needs. The concerned teams also coordinated with ASELCO and LGU counterparts for power restoration. The incidents were monitored until power supply was restored and the safety of affected delegates was ensured.

4. Resource and Infrastructure Management

Operational efficiency has been hindered by resource constraints, particularly in Talacogon.

1. Resource Requests and Shortages:

   1. Fuel: LGU Talacogon reported a daily fuel shortage of over 200 liters for water, ambulance, and fire trucks. On May 28, they requested an additional 500 liters of diesel to maintain emergency vehicle operations. This was appropriately addressed by the provincial government.

   2. Cooling Requirements: Due to the extreme heat, Talacogon officials requested 10 additional industrial fans to ensure participant and official comfort. This was also resolved by the provincial government.

5. Emergency Response and Protocols

The Palarong Pambansa 2026 utilized a comprehensive multi-agency response framework involving the whole of society. This collaborative approach integrated the efforts of the Emergency Operations Center, Area Command Teams, local Incident Management Teams, and various national agencies to ensure a synchronized response to health and safety challenges. By leveraging a unified Incident Management Reporting System (IMRS), the committee effectively managed a wide range of incidents, from medical emergencies and structural fires to security breaches and seismic disturbances. This framework served as the backbone for the efficient safety and security operations during the games, providing the necessary structure for rapid decision-making and resource deployment across all playing venues and billeting quarters.

1. Standard Operating Procedures:

   1. Heat Protocol: Athletes were encouraged to enhance their hydration cycles and follow extreme heat safety protocols

   2. CCTV Integration: Multi-venue CCTV monitoring for safety and security purposes.

   3. Structural Safety: Following earthquake ground shaking events, the Bayugan City Engineering Team and Incident Management Teams (IMTs) conducted mandatory building inspections before permitting delegates to re-occupy quarters.

   4. Early warning information was also provided by the DOST-PHIVOLCS and PAG-ASA for hydro-met and seismic hazards monitoring and DICT for emergency telecommunication support.

6. Resource Disposition

The response effort engaged a substantial force multiplier from Local, Provincial, Regional, and National Agencies and DRRM Councils, including:

1. Personnel: At least 2,258 Health, Safety, and Security Personnel were deployed across all venues and billeting quarters to provide immediate assistance and maintain order.

2. Response Assets: A minimum of 61 response assets were mobilized, including EOD units, ambulances, fire trucks, rescue vehicles, and Air Force helicopters provided by the PAF Tactical Operations Group 13 for critical missions such as medical air evacuations.

In conclusion, the Palarong Pambansa 2026, held in Agusan del Sur, showcased resilience, adaptability, and strong inter-agency coordination amid a complex multi-hazard operating environment. Despite extreme heat conditions, seismic activity, flooding incidents, fire-related concerns, and a high volume of health-related encounters, the coordinated actions of the Emergency Operations Center, Area Command Teams, Incident Management Teams, local government units, and national partner agencies ensured that incidents were managed promptly and that disruptions to the games were minimized.

The event's successful management amid extreme weather conditions, seismic activity, and various operational hurdles is a testament to the robust incident management framework and the collaborative efforts of local and national agencies. The proactive measures, such as the efficient response to medical emergencies and security breaches, underscored the commitment to safety and well-being of all athletes and officials. 

While resource constraints and infrastructure issues posed significant challenges, the coordinated efforts of the Emergency Operations Center and Area Command Teams ensured that the games proceeded with minimal disruption. This experience not only highlighted the importance of preparedness, adaptability, and inter-agency coordination in multi-hazard environments but also reinforced the spirit of unity and perseverance among all involved. As the event concludes, the valuable lessons learned will undoubtedly model and enhance the preparations for next year's palarong pambansa.