BACOLOD City — Determined to capture the championship title as host of the first-ever Negros Island Region Athletic Association Meet 2026 (NIRAAM), the Bacolod City Government has allocated P9,471,000 in financial assistance to its 902-member delegation—signaling both competitive ambition and firm institutional support for grassroots sports development.
Mayor Greg Gasataya, joined by Schools Division Superintendent Dennis Develos of the Department of Education (DepEd) and other city officials, led the ceremonial send-off on February 25 at Bacolod City National High School.
The event gathered 626 student-athletes and 276 coaches and training staff, along with school administrators and families, in a strong show of unity ahead of the landmark regional competition.
Following the ceremony, the city released the athletes’ cash allowances. Each delegate received P10,500 for training expenses, with an additional P2,000 to be distributed on the opening day of the meet on March 1, bringing the total financial assistance to P12,500 per participant.
Aside from cash allowances, the city also provided uniforms, shoes, and hoodies to ensure that athletes are fully equipped for competition.
Mayor Gasataya emphasized that financial constraints should not hinder young athletes from excelling.
“Many of our athletes rely on sports to earn scholarships and build their future. By providing this allowance, we hope to ease their burden, boost their morale, and allow them to focus on winning,” he said.
The mayor expressed confidence that Bacolod’s delegation has the depth and talent to contend for the overall championship and further raise the city’s profile in higher levels of competition.
Fourteen-year-old Sam Pampag, a two-time Batang Pinoy gold medalist from Romanito P. Maravilla Sr. National High School, shared that she feels both excitement and pressure as she prepares to defend her title. She credits disciplined training, listening closely to her coach, and drawing strength from her faith as key to her preparation.
Meanwhile, Brianna Nikola Ang, captain of the Tay Tung Thunderbolts girls’ volleyball team, acknowledged that pressure is part of the game.
“Pressure affects everyone. Success depends on how you manage it,” she said, noting that their team underwent intensive conditioning in the lead-up to the tournament.
Billeting preparations
As host city, Bacolod has designated several public schools as temporary billeting quarters for visiting delegations. These include Andres Bonifacio Elementary School I and II, Antonio L. Jayme Elementary School, Bacolod City National High School, Barangay Singcang Airport National High School, Don Jose R. Torres Elementary School, Bata Elementary School I and II, Don R.A. Medel Sr. Elementary School, Education and Training Center School I and II, Handumanan Elementary School I and II, Luisa Medel National High School, Mansilingan Agro-Industrial High School, M.G. Medalla Integrated School, Negros Occidental High School, Rizal Elementary School, and Bacolod SPED Center.
City officials assured that all billeting schools have undergone thorough assessment to ensure adequate water supply, sanitation, and other essential amenities throughout the duration of the games.
12 LGUs to Compete
A total of 12 provinces and cities will compete in NIRAAM 2026, including host Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Dumaguete, Kabankalan, Bayawan, Bais, Silay, Tanjay, Canlaon, and Guihulngan.
The competition will feature 28 sports events at the elementary level and 45 at the secondary level. Pickleball and cheerleading will be introduced as demonstration sports, while four para-sports events are scheduled to promote inclusivity and equal opportunity in athletics.
With over 900 delegates formally sent off and fully supported, Bacolod aims not only to host a successful tournament but also to set the tone for athletic excellence across the newly formed Negros Island Region./PN
