BACOLOD CITY – In a vibrant display of municipal support, Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya, accompanied by Councilors Jude Thaddeus Sayson and Homer Bais, alongside Department of Education officials, presided over a ceremonial send-off for a contingent of 902 athletes, coaches, and trainers. This delegation is poised to compete in the groundbreaking inaugural Negros Island Region Athletic Association Meet (Niraam) 2026, scheduled from March 1 to 7, 2026.
Unwavering Municipal Backing for Athletic Excellence
The Bacolod City Government has unequivocally pledged its robust support to the participants, underscoring its role as the host city for this premier regional sporting event. Mayor Gasataya, addressing the assembly at Bacolod City National High School on February 25, 2026, emphasized that the city has comprehensively addressed the essential requirements of the athletes, coaches, and trainers.
Substantial Financial Assistance and Morale Boost
This support encompasses cash allowances, uniforms, and shoes, with Mayor Gasataya declaring, "Sending off our 902 athletes, coaches, and trainers with our 100 percent support, all our pride, and confidence that the championships will be ours this Niraam 2026. Show them that we are not only the City of Smiles, but also the City of Champions. Beyond shoes, uniforms, and training allowances, we are with you every step of the way in heart and spirit."
Financial provisions include a training allowance of P10,500 disbursed to each participant on February 25, supplemented by an additional P2,000 to be released on March 1. The mayor highlighted that this initiative aims to inspire the youth by alleviating financial burdens, noting, "We are hopeful that it will inspire the children since financial support is the usual concern because not all athletes have the capacity to fund themselves, and some of them use their talent for scholarships." He further asserted that these allowances are designed to elevate morale and cater to the athletes' diverse needs.
Significant Budget Allocations for Hosting and Training
The city has earmarked a substantial P30.5 million specifically for hosting the inaugural Niraam 2026. This budget is allocated to cover various expenses associated with the event, including the construction and enhancement of billeting facilities for athletes across multiple schools. The funds have been formally transferred to the Schools Division of Bacolod City, the designated host entity.
In a complementary move, the City Council has sanctioned an additional P27 million to support athlete training, allowances, and coaches across various sports disciplines. Both financial allocations are derived from the City’s Special Education Fund (SEF), reflecting a strategic investment in educational and athletic development.
Regional Competition Details and National Implications
According to Regional Memorandum 35, Series of 2026, issued by the Department of Education–Negros Island Region (DepEd-NIR), the week-long event will feature 12 provincial and city delegations competing under the theme: "Negros Island Region: stronger, faster, together." The participating delegations are:
- Negros Oriental
- Negros Occidental
- Siquijor
- Bacolod City
- Bais City
- Bayawan City
- Canlaon City
- Dumaguete City
- Guihulngan City
- Kabankalan City
- Silay City
- Tanjay City
The competition will showcase 28 events at the elementary level and 45 events at the secondary level. Notably, victors of the Niraam will earn the honor of representing the Negros Island Region at the Palarong Pambansa 2026, the Philippines' foremost national sporting event for student-athletes, thereby elevating the stakes and prestige of this inaugural regional meet.
