BACOLOD City — The 2026 Negros Island Regional Athletic Association Meet (NIRAAM) formally opened Sunday, March 1, at the Panaad Park and Stadium, drawing more than 10,000 delegates in a vibrant celebration of sportsmanship and regional unity.
The week-long sporting event, which runs until March 7, brings together 12 delegations from across the Negros Island Region (NIR): Siquijor, Bais, Guihulngan, Tanjay, Bayawan, Canlaon, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Kabankalan, Silay, Negros Occidental, and host Bacolod City.
Based on official records, NIRAAM 2026 has a total of 10,745 delegates, composed of 5,462 athletes, 1,255 coaches, and 4,003 members of delegation support committees.
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya welcomed the young athletes during the opening ceremony, describing this year’s meet as a historic gathering that showcases the region’s emerging sports talents.
“This is your time—make the most of NIRAAM 2026. We believe the next Olympian will come from the Negros Island Region, especially Bacolod City,” Gasataya said, urging learner-athletes to strive for excellence and seize the opportunity.
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson echoed the call, emphasizing that the regional meet serves as a stepping stone toward the prestigious Palarong Pambansa. He reminded participants that the competition is a crucial platform to earn the honor of representing the region at the national level.
Also gracing the event was Undersecretary Peter Irving Corvera of the Department of Education (DepEd), who highlighted the broader impact of athletics on youth development.
“Sports keep our youth disciplined and resilient. You have earned your place here—it was not by accident,” Corvera said, commending the athletes’ dedication and hard work.
The opening program showcased strong regional solidarity, with city mayors and governors from participating local government units in attendance to show support for grassroots sports development.
Spectators were treated to vibrant cultural and field performances, including a showcase by Bacolod’s renowned MassKara dancers and coordinated demonstrations from Handumanan National High School and Domingo Lacson National High School. A dazzling fireworks display capped the evening’s festivities, lighting up the Bacolod skyline and symbolizing the bright aspirations of the region’s young athletes.
NIRAAM 2026 features 27 sporting events and is considered one of the largest regional athletic gatherings in recent years, celebrating athletic excellence, camaraderie, and the shared dream of bringing pride to the Negros Island Region.
Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) assured the public of comprehensive security coverage throughout the duration of the games, from February 28 to March 7.
A total of 145 police personnel were deployed to secure playing venues, billeting quarters, and other key areas. The deployment includes 75 personnel from the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office and 25 from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, augmenting the Bacolod City Police Office to reinforce operational coverage.
Security measures include heightened visibility patrols, strategic area monitoring, and rapid response teams positioned across event sites. PRO-NIR said it is working closely with local government units and DepEd to ensure the smooth and secure staging of the region’s premier athletic event./PN
