BACOLOD City — The local government here is eyeing the chance to host the Batang Pinoy National Championships in 2026, more than a decade since it last staged the premier grassroots sports event.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said sports development remains a flagship program of his administration, and hosting Batang Pinoy would further highlight the city’s commitment to nurturing young athletes.
The mayor recalled that Bacolod was the inaugural host of the event when it was launched in 1999, and now hopes to bring it back to the City of Smiles.
“It’s been more than a decade, and it’s time for Bacolod to host again,” he said.
According to him, initial meetings with concerned stakeholders have already taken place. The winning host city is expected to be announced after the 2025 Batang Pinoy National Championships in General Santos City on October 30.
Bacolod has reportedly prepared all the necessary requirements, including sports facilities, to strengthen its bid. If successful, the city will face a busy sporting calendar in 2026, with the Batang Pinoy coinciding with other major events such as the MassKara Festival in October and the UniGames.
Batang Pinoy, created under Executive Order No. 44 signed by then-President Joseph Estrada in 1998, is a national youth sports competition organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for athletes aged 17 and below. Unlike the Palarong Pambansa, which caters exclusively to student-athletes, Batang Pinoy is more inclusive as it allows participation of out-of-school youth and those from marginalized sectors./PN
