BACOLOD City — The city government is gearing up to host the 2026 Negros Island Regional Athletic Association Meet (NIRAAM) after the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) ratified a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) granting P57.5 million in financial assistance for the week-long regional sports event.
City Councilor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, chairperson of the committee on finance and appropriations, said the city council approved the MOA between the City Government of Bacolod and the Department of Education (DepEd) – Schools Division of Bacolod City during its regular session on February 11.
Of the total amount, P27 million is allocated for hosting expenses, while P30,595,700 will cover the participation of the Bacolod City delegation. The funds will be sourced from the city’s Special Education Fund (SEF).
Sayson said the P27 million will be used for event preparations, including billeting arrangements and other logistical requirements. The P30 million allocation, meanwhile, will support athletes’ training, uniforms, equipment, and other competition-related needs.
The first NIRAAM under the Negros Island Region is scheduled from March 1 to 7, 2026, with competitions set to take place at Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan.
An inter-agency coordination meeting was recently held at the Rizal Elementary School Heritage Building to finalize plans on logistics, security, traffic management, billeting, health protocols, and venue readiness.
Carrying the theme “Negros Island Region: Stronger. Faster. Together.”, NIRAAM 2026 aims to identify and develop outstanding student-athletes who will represent the region in the Palarong Pambansa. It also seeks to promote physical fitness, sportsmanship, and unity among participating schools and divisions.
Twelve provincial and city delegations are expected to compete: Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Siquijor, Bacolod City, Bais City, Bayawan City, Canlaon City, Dumaguete City, Guihulngan City, Kabankalan City, Silay City, and Tanjay City.
A total of 28 events will be contested at the elementary level and 45 at the secondary level, including demonstration sports such as pickleball and cheerleading.
Four Paragames events will also be featured, along with regular sports competitions such as weightlifting, futsal for elementary girls, and football for secondary girls.
Sayson said hosting NIRAAM is expected to boost Bacolod’s economy and tourism sector, with thousands of athletes, coaches, and family members anticipated to visit the city, benefiting hotels, restaurants, transport services, and small businesses.
The event is also seen as an opportunity to strengthen grassroots sports development and inspire young athletes through exposure to high-level regional competition. A successful hosting is expected to further solidify Bacolod’s reputation as a capable venue for major regional and national sporting events.
Under the leadership of Mayor Greg Gasataya, city officials expressed confidence that NIRAAM 2026 will be well-organized, safe, and memorable — showcasing not only athletic excellence but also Bacolod’s hospitality and readiness on the regional stage.
With preparations underway and funding secured, Bacolod stands ready to welcome the region./PN
