BACOLOD City — The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Bacolod City Government have expressed full confidence in the city’s readiness to host the Batang Pinoy 2026 National Championships this December following a press briefing held at the PSC Main Building, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila on June 23, 2026.
City Administrator Atty. Mark Steven Mayo, who attended the briefing, said PSC Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio and Mayor Greg Gasataya both assured stakeholders that preparations are well underway to ensure the successful staging of the country’s premier grassroots sports competition.
During the briefing, Gregorio emphasized the importance of Batang Pinoy in strengthening the country’s sports development pipeline, noting its alignment with the Palarong Pambansa and its role in preparing young athletes for higher levels of competition, including international meets.
Mayor Gasataya, meanwhile, expressed optimism as Bacolod prepares to welcome thousands of young athletes, coaches, and delegates from across the country.
“We are going all in for Batang Pinoy 2026. Bacolod is ready to welcome participants and showcase not only our sporting facilities but also the warmth and hospitality of our people,” Gasataya said.
The event also featured the unveiling of the official Batang Pinoy 2026 logo and branding, formally signaling the start of preparations for the national youth games scheduled in December.
The PSC earlier announced during the closing ceremony of the Batang Pinoy 2025 National Championships in General Santos City on October 30, 2025, that Bacolod would host the next edition of the games.
The upcoming hosting marks a significant milestone for Bacolod City, which first hosted the inaugural Batang Pinoy in 1999 and later staged the games in 2001 and 2013.
Gregorio described Bacolod’s selection as host as a “fitting homecoming,” citing the city’s long-standing contribution to grassroots sports development in the country.
“It is only fitting for Bacolod to host Batang Pinoy once again after several years, considering that the city was among the pioneers of this grassroots sports program,” Gregorio said.
During the turnover ceremony in General Santos City last year, Gregorio formally handed the Batang Pinoy banner to Atty. Jose Marty Go, Secretary to the Mayor, who represented Mayor Gasataya.
Gasataya, who accepted the hosting duties on behalf of the city, thanked the PSC for entrusting Bacolod with the responsibility of staging one of the country’s largest grassroots sports programs.
“We are very excited and grateful for this opportunity. Batang Pinoy has become a breeding ground for future champions, and we look forward to discovering more young talents through the 2026 edition,” the mayor said.
He also highlighted the program’s role in developing elite Filipino athletes, including Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and world champion gymnast Carlos Yulo, whose achievements continue to inspire young athletes nationwide.
With preparations now in full swing, both the PSC and the Bacolod City Government remain confident that Batang Pinoy 2026 will further strengthen grassroots sports development while showcasing Bacolod’s capacity to host major national sporting events./PN