AS THE historic first-ever Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur came to a close, the spotlight naturally fell on podium finishes, record-breaking performances, and hard-earned victories.
But beyond the medals are stories years in the making.
Stories of children who first discovered sports in their schools and communities. Stories of early morning training sessions, long journeys to competitions, and the support of parents, coaches, teachers, and mentors who believed in their potential long before they stepped onto the national stage.
For generations, Palarong Pambansa has served as the country’s premier sporting event for student-athletes. Now on its 66th edition, the games brought together more than 13,000 delegates from across the Philippines competing in 35 sports disciplines, including para-games, demonstration sports, and exhibition events.
For MILO®, these stories embody the true spirit of the Champion Journey.
As one of the country’s longest-standing advocates of grassroots sports development, MILO® continues to work alongside the Department of Education (DepEd), schools, sports organizations, and local communities to help more Filipino children experience the transformative power of sports.
This commitment came to life once again at Palarong Pambansa 2026, where young athletes connected to MILO®-supported sports communities delivered inspiring performances across multiple disciplines. Many of these athletes developed their skills through sports environments, training communities, and partner programs that MILO® has long supported as part of its commitment to grassroots sports development.
Among them were medal-winning gymnasts from Club Gymnastica, a long-time partner in promoting youth sports development. Athletes including Kaya Isolde Samillano, Ayumi Bethany Sope, Skye Hailey Balacanao, Klay Varrick Luzarraga, John Anthony Palles, Hillarion “Bebeng” Palles, and King Cjay Pernia proudly represented the club on the national stage, reflecting years of dedication and training. They were joined by
student-athletes from the National Academy of Sports (NAS), another valued MILO® partner. Across swimming, athletics, badminton, gymnastics, taekwondo, and table tennis, these young athletes demonstrated the determination, resilience, and character that define every Champion Journey.
Their achievements reflect more than athletic ability. They are the result of years of dedication, discipline, and continuous development. Their performances serve as a reminder of the impact that sustained grassroots support can have in helping young athletes reach the national stage.
“Palarong Pambansa reflects what MILO® hopes to achieve through grassroots sports. It is about helping children discover their potential, develop important life values, and grow through the lessons that sport can teach. Every athlete here is a reminder of what can happen when children are given the opportunity to play, learn, and pursue their dreams,” said Carlo Sampan, Head of MILO® Sports.
MILO®’s presence at Palarong Pambansa 2026 is rooted in its long-standing partnership with DepEd, united by a shared belief that sports play an essential role in children’s holistic development.
Through initiatives such as MILO® Active Pilipinas, MILO® continues to encourage more Filipino children to lead active lifestyles while learning valuable life lessons through sports. These efforts complement the broader vision of programs like Palarong Pambansa, which provide young athletes with opportunities to compete, represent their communities, and discover what they can achieve.
Their journeys also highlight a reality familiar to many Filipino families: no young athlete succeeds alone. Their journeys are a reminder that it takes a village to raise a child, and often an entire community to help shape a champion.
As thousands of delegates return home from Agusan del Sur carrying lessons and memories that will stay with them for life, MILO® remains committed to helping more children take their first steps in sports and begin journeys of their own.
Because behind every medal is a Champion Journey. And behind every Champion Journey is a community that made it possible. For many of this year’s delegates, Palarong Pambansa marks an important milestone: a reminder of how far they have come, and how much further their Champion Journeys can go.
For many of these young athletes, Palarong Pambansa is not just a destination but a #MyMILOStory moment in a journey that is still unfolding.
Today’s Palarong Pambansa athletes were once children taking their very first steps in sports. To learn how MILO® continues to inspire more Champion Journeys and create more #MyMILOStory moments across the country, visit www.milo.com.ph.
