By JONAS REYES | March 4, 2026

THE Province of Zambales has formalized its bid to host next year’s Palarong Pambansa, aiming to be the venue for the first time of the country’s biggest sporting competition that involves elementary and secondary student-athletes from the 18 regions in the country.

Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. himself led the presentation of Zambales’s bid during the Palarong Pambansa Committee Special Board Meeting at the Department of Education (DepEd) Central Office in Pasig City on March 2.

He was accompanied by DepEd Zambales OIC-Schools District Superintendent William Roderick R. Fallorin, Provincial Sports Development Office manager Jade Ballesteros, Provincial Planning and Development maanger Manny Adaoag, and Consultant on Infrastructure Development Engr. Domingo Mariano.

Gov. Ebdane expressed confidence that Zambales will win the bidding, citing the provincial government’s efforts in creating a world-class venue for the 2027 Palaro games.

He added that, having hosted the 33rd Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree in December 2025, the provincial government is well-prepared to manage accommodations, facilities, security, and other necessities for athletes and school officials during the Palaro.

Aside from Zambales, Quezon City and the Province of Tarlac also present their bids to host the 2027 Palarong Pambansa, while Dasmariñas City and Ilagan City withdrew their bids.

The Palarong Pambansa, which is managed by DepEd, is the country’s premier national sporting event and serves as the premier grassroots sports development program to identify young talents from local, district, and regional meets. ▲