BACOLOD City — Young athletes representing Bacolod City in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa 2026 received P19,000 each in financial assistance from the city government during a send-off ceremony held at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) lobby on May 15, 2026.
The activity was led by the Department of Education–Bacolod City Division, in partnership with Mayor Greg Gasataya, as part of the city’s support for its delegation set to compete in the national sporting event in Agusan del Sur from May 24 to June 1.
A total of 188 athletes received the allowance package, which includes a P600 daily meal allowance and P400 daily training allowance for 10 days, as well as a 30-day preparation allowance amounting to P300 per day.
Aside from cash assistance, the city government also provided playing uniforms and new sports shoes to the athletes.
Baseball secondary coach Stephen Lascano said the support from the local government serves as a strong motivation for athletes who have been training to bring home medals for Bacolod City.
In total, Bacolod City is sending 286 delegates to this year’s Palarong Pambansa.
Gasataya assured the athletes that additional incentives await medal winners in the national competition.
The city government has allocated P17.3 million in assistance for the delegation, covering transportation, accommodation, uniforms, sports equipment, and other logistical needs.
Earlier, Gasataya and Bacolod Schools Division Superintendent Dennis Develos signed a memorandum of agreement formalizing the city’s support for the athletes and coaches.
“We consider this an investment in the future of our youth,” Gasataya said, adding that the city continues to strengthen grassroots sports development.
He also expressed confidence that Bacolod will produce future elite athletes through sustained support.
“Bacolod will produce an Olympian, and we start by giving support from the grassroots level,” he said.
Gasataya emphasized that the city aims not only to participate but also to compete for championships.
“We compete to win and bring home the gold,” he added, encouraging the delegation ahead of the national games./PN
