Bislig City in Surigao del Sur is experiencing an unexpected tourism boom, and it is all thanks to the 2026 Palarong Pambansa currently underway in the Caraga Region.
Around 180 visitors — composed of athletes, coaches, game officials, and guests of the national sports games — visited the iconic Tinuy-an Falls on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Known affectionately as the “Little Niagara of the Philippines,” the majestic waterfall has long been one of Mindanao most celebrated natural attractions, and the Palarong Pambansa has given it a fresh wave of national attention.
According to the Bislig City Local Government Unit, tourists arrived from across the country, including the National Capital Region, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, CALABARZON, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, and various provinces in Mindanao. Many of the visiting athletes and coaches took the opportunity to explore the falls and the Bislig Baywalk between competition schedules.
The city government expressed gratitude to all the athletes and guests who chose to make memories in Bislig City, noting that the visits keep the community thriving and local smiles bright.
Department of Tourism – Caraga Region (DOT-13) Director Ivonnie Dumadag expressed her delight at the influx of tourists to various destinations in the region as the national games continue. The spillover effect of the Palarong Pambansa has been felt not only in the host city of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur but also in nearby destinations like Bislig City.
The Bislig City government expects even more visitors in the coming days as the games continue throughout the week. Local officials are encouraging tourists to explore the city other attractions, including its pristine waterfalls, coastal walks, and cultural sites that showcase the rich heritage of the Surigaonon people.
For travelers planning a visit, Tinuy-an Falls is located in Barangay Burboanan, about 30 minutes from the city proper. The waterfall cascading white curtain of water, surrounded by lush tropical foliage, makes it one of the most photographed natural wonders in the entire Mindanao region.
As the 2026 Palarong Pambansa continues to bring the country young athletic talent together, Bislig City is proving itself to be more than just a side trip — it is a destination worth exploring in its own right.