BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental and Bacolod City stamped their class early in the 2026 Negros Island Regional Athletic Association (NIRAA) Meet, racking up multiple gold medals in both track and field events and asserting their dominance in the regional athletics showcase.
Negros Occidental flexed its sprint power in the 400-meter races, sweeping key categories behind Reynalyn Sedenio, who ruled the secondary girls division, while Ashley Nicole Silvor and Dennis Maguad completed a double victory in the elementary girls and boys divisions, respectively.
Kristine Joy O. Bilbao delivered Negros Occidental its first field event triumph in the secondary girls shot put, outthrowing her rivals to claim the gold medal. Flojeme Ymbang of Bacolod City placed second, while Kirstyn Hope Ruiz secured bronze.
In the hurdles, Zia Ashley Gomez added another gold medal to Negros Occidental’s growing tally after winning the secondary girls 100-meter hurdles. Faith Sarillo, representing the Negros Occidental Division, emerged victorious in the elementary girls category, further strengthening the province’s medal haul.
Bacolod City answered back in the secondary boys shot put as Kane Benedict A. Laureano captured the gold medal. Negros Occidental’s Kharl Allen T. Ecija and Jeffrey Maranga Jr. settled for second and third place, respectively.
Bacolod City also struck gold in the elementary boys 110-meter hurdles courtesy of Rajib Ash Catenza, while Bayawan City’s Usain Navarro dominated the secondary boys division of the same event.
Guihulngan City’s Lusaya Rail Onin topped the elementary boys shot put, followed by Kent Alexander Dela Cruz of Negros Occidental and Valentin Juan Jose III of Siquijor.
Dumaguete City controlled the elementary girls shot put event, with Lorraine Anne Bayking capturing the gold medal and Jasheen Dela Cruz taking silver. Nikka Alidron of Silay City rounded out the podium with a bronze finish.
Meanwhile, Bacolod City swept the secondary division long jump gold medals behind Gem Mark Flores in the boys category and Aliah Bree Diocson in the girls event.
The ongoing NIRAA Meet continues to highlight the depth of talent across Negros Island, with young athletes battling not only for regional supremacy but also for the opportunity to advance to higher-level competitions./PN
