BACOLOD City — The city government of Bacolod has released more than P4 million in cash incentives to athletes, coaches, and trainers who excelled in the 2026 Negros Island Region Athletic Association Meet (NIRAAM), underscoring its strong commitment to sports development and youth excellence.
The incentives were distributed on March 26 at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) lobby through the Department of Education’s Special Education Fund (SEF) program.
Mayor Greg Gasataya led the activity and congratulated the delegation for emerging as overall champion during the weeklong NIRAAM held from March 1 to 7.
“More than words, we want to ensure that our athletes, coaches, trainers, and everyone behind our victory feel our support, gratitude, and appreciation for their hard work and the pride they have brought to Bacolod City,” Gasataya said.
He added that while the incentives may not fully compensate for the athletes’ sacrifices, they serve as a symbol of the city’s belief in their potential and its hope of producing future Olympians.
The mayor also emphasized that the prompt release of incentives aims to provide timely support to recipients and contribute to the local economy amid rising fuel costs. He assured continued moral and financial backing as the athletes prepare for the upcoming Palarong Pambansa 2026 in Agusan del Sur.
According to Lila Arro, spokesperson of the Department of Education–Division of Bacolod City, incentives were granted based on medal achievements: P5,000 for each gold, P4,000 for silver, and P3,000 for bronze.
Coaches of winning athletes received P7,000 for gold, P5,000 for silver, and P3,000 for bronze, while assistant coaches and chaperones were given P5,000, P3,000, and P2,000, respectively. Trainers received P4,000 for gold, P2,500 for silver, and P1,500 for bronze, with additional support staff also recognized.
Bacolod’s athletes delivered an impressive medal haul across categories, with strong performances from both elementary and secondary divisions, as well as the Paragames contingent.
Records showed that the elementary boys secured 32 gold, 61 silver, and 56 bronze medals, while the elementary girls tallied 58 gold, 47 silver, and 32 bronze. At the secondary level, the boys captured 134 gold, 47 silver, and 41 bronze medals, while the girls earned 114 gold, 54 silver, and 68 bronze. The Paragames contingent added 27 gold, 25 silver, and seven bronze medals.
Among the top awardees was Grade 11 archer Isabella Unna Ejercito of Bacolod Trinity Christian School Inc., who received the highest individual incentive of ₱38,000 after winning six gold and two silver medals.
Ejercito expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying it would help fund her equipment and motivate her to train harder.
For gymnastics coach Wilfredo Cervantes Jr., the incentives represent more than financial assistance.
“We would not have achieved all of this without the support of the city. That is why we are truly grateful,” he said, noting how training has strengthened his family’s bond as he coaches his own children.
A total of 188 athletes from Bacolod have qualified for the Palarong Pambansa 2026, including 136 secondary athletes, 41 elementary participants, and 11 Paragames competitors.
After a short break, the delegation has resumed intensive training ahead of the national competition set to open on May 24.
The city government, in partnership with DepEd, continues to invest in grassroots sports by providing funding, training, and incentives—ensuring that young athletes are supported as they compete on bigger stages./PN
