The Davao Eagles received a significant morale boost on Sunday, May 17, as the Department of Education (DepEd) Davao Region organized a heartfelt send-off ceremony for the 771-member delegation bound for the 2026 Palarong Pambansa. The national meet is scheduled from May 24 to 31 in Agusan del Sur.
Ceremony at Mintal Elementary School Gym
Regional officials, coaches, and local government representatives gathered at the Mintal Elementary School gymnasium in Davao City to rally behind the athletes. They encouraged the competitors to embrace discipline, determination, and pride as they prepare to represent the Davao Region on a national stage.
DepEd Regional Director's Message
DepEd Davao regional director Allan G. Farnazo delivered an inspiring message to the athletes, urging them to stay focused as they face the country's top young competitors. “Mga bata, tuloy ang laban (Kids, keep fighting)!” Farnazo told the delegation. He also assured the athletes that they would receive incentives immediately upon being officially declared medal winners, even before the physical medals are 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.
Schools Division Superintendent's Remarks
Department of Education 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 intense preparation to earn their spots in the regional delegation. “To our athletes, you are not here by accident. You earned your place through hard work, perseverance, and determination. 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 that they represent not only their schools but the entire Davao Region. “Winning is important, but character is greater than any medal,” he added.
Mayor Duterte's Encouragement
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. 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.
Deployment Schedule
DepEd Davao regional spokesperson Dodong Atillo, in an interview with SunStar Davao, announced that the first batch of delegates will leave for Bunawan National High School in Agusan del Sur on Tuesday morning, May 19. Athletes training at the Davao del Norte Sports Complex in Tagum City will follow later that day. Aside from athletes, the delegation includes coaches, assistant coaches, chaperones, and approximately 170 to 180 DepEd officials from across the Davao Region. Atillo expressed confidence in the delegation’s chances and urged Dabawenyos to continue supporting the Davao Eagles through prayers and encouragement.
