BACOLOD City — The Bacolod City Government has distributed a total of P1.782 million in cash incentives to members of the city’s delegation who represented the Negros Island Region (NIR) in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, recognizing their dedication and achievements in the national sporting event.
Mayor Greg Gasataya led the distribution of incentives at the Bacolod City Government Center on June 18, honoring 284 athletes, coaches, trainers, and chaperones who participated in the Palarong Pambansa held in Agusan del Sur from May 24 to 31.
The incentive package benefited 54 medalists, 48 coaches, trainers, and chaperones, and 133 athletes who did not win medals but proudly represented the region on the national stage.
“We know that bringing home medals was not easy. But the mere fact that you represented the region is more than enough, and for that, we are proud of what you have accomplished,” Gasataya told the delegates.
The mayor emphasized that all Bacolod-based athletes who competed for the NIR received financial incentives, regardless of whether they won medals, along with their coaches, trainers, and chaperones.
According to Gasataya, the city government deemed it fitting to recognize every member of the delegation for bringing honor and pride to Bacolod and the region.
“They carried the name of Bacolod and the Negros Island Region on the national stage. It is only fitting that the government provides incentives to recognize their efforts and inspire them to strive even harder,” he said.
Gasataya added that the city remains committed to rewarding excellence not only in sports but also in other fields where Bacolodnons bring distinction to the city.
Among the awardees was 12-year-old swimmer Sofia Ysabel Secuelan, who emerged as one of Bacolod’s standout performers after winning three gold medals in the elementary swimming competition.
Secuelan topped the 100-meter backstroke, 50-meter backstroke, and 4×50-meter relay, earning P54,000 in cash incentives.
“It means a lot to me because I worked really hard to achieve this,” Secuelan said, recalling the discipline required to balance training and academics while preparing for the national competition.
“It was overwhelming because I was surprised to be competing at the Palaro,” she added.
Her coach, Many Mendez Jr., said the city’s support served as an added source of motivation for the athletes throughout the competition.
“The support from the city, especially from the mayor, inspired our athletes and motivated them to perform their best,” Mendez said.
Also recognized during the ceremony was the Bacolod City National High School secondary girls’ softball team, which captured the gold medal in its division.
Team captain Criszhiel Barlita expressed gratitude to the city government, the Bacolod City Council, the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Bacolod, coaches, trainers, and parents for their unwavering support.
“With your all-out support, we were able to bring the championship back to Bacolod,” Barlita said.
Under the city’s incentive program, gold medalists and their coaches each received P18,000, while assistant coaches received P15,000. Trainers and chaperones were given P10,000 each.
Silver medalists and coaches received P15,000 each, assistant coaches were awarded P12,000, while trainers and chaperones received P8,000 each.
Meanwhile, bronze medalists and coaches received P10,000 each, assistant coaches were given P8,000, and trainers and chaperones received P5,000 each.
The city also allocated P182,000 for athletes who did not place in their respective events, ensuring that every participant received recognition for representing the region.
Also present during the payout ceremony were Schools Division Superintendent Dennis Develos, Sports Coordinator Lila Arro, and other officials from the DepEd.
The incentive program underscores Bacolod City’s continuing commitment to supporting young athletes, fostering excellence in sports, and inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams while bringing pride and honor to the city.
During the Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur, the city government also provided P17.3 million in assistance to the delegation, covering transportation, accommodation, uniforms, sports equipment, and other logistical requirements./PN
