BACOLOD City – The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has announced that Bacolod City will host the Batang Pinoy National Championships 2026, marking the return of the country’s premier grassroots sports event to the City of Smiles.
The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the Batang Pinoy 2025 held on October 30 at the Antonio C. Acharon Sports Complex in Calumpang, General Santos City.
According to a statement from the Bacolod City Communication Office (BCCO), PSC chairman John Patrick Gregorio confirmed Bacolod as the next host city, describing it as a “fitting homecoming” for the city, which hosted the inaugural Batang Pinoy in 1999, and again in 2001 and 2013.
“It is just fitting for Bacolod to host the Batang Pinoy after several years, being among the pioneers of this grassroots sports program,” Gregorio said. “See you in Bacolod and enjoy the MassKara Festival,” he added.
During the turnover rites, Gregorio handed the ceremonial Batang Pinoy banner to Atty. Jose Marty Go, Secretary to the Mayor, who represented Mayor Greg Gasataya at the event.
In a recorded message, Gasataya expressed his gratitude to the PSC for selecting Bacolod as the next host of the national youth games.
“We are very excited and thankful. This is truly one of the biggest grassroots sports programs of the national government, and we look forward to discovering more young talents through Batang Pinoy 2026,” Gasataya said, citing how the program has helped develop world-class athletes such as Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and world champion Carlos Yulo.
Gregorio also extended his appreciation to General Santos City, led by Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao, for successfully hosting this year’s games, which gathered nearly 19,000 athletes and delegates from across the country competing in 27 sports disciplines./PN
