The Bacolod City government distributed a total of P4,167,000 in incentives to athletes, coaches, and trainers at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) lobby on Thursday, March 26.
The move underscores the city’s commitment to sports development and youth excellence, recognizing participants who represented Bacolod in the recently concluded NIRAAM 2026, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said Friday.
Funding for the incentives was provided through the Department of Education’s Special Education Fund Program, which is supported by the city government.
Of the 475 awardees, 188 athletes have qualified to advance to Palarong Pambansa 2026 in Agusan del Sur – including 136 from secondary schools, 41 from elementary schools, and 11 Paragames athletes.
During the distribution, Mayor Greg Gasataya personally congratulated the participants and pledged continued assistance as they prepare for the national competition.
“Congratulations to all of you, you truly deserve the recognition and incentives from the city government. This is not enough for those number of days, weeks, months, years of training, but what is important is that the city of Bacolod acknowledges your hard work and performance in the last NIRAAM 2026. We will continue to support you as you compete in the Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur,” the mayor said.
Athletes received the following incentives per event:
Gold Medalists – P5,000
Silver Medalists – P4,000
Bronze Medalists – P3,000
Team event winners received individual incentives plus additional team allocations.
Coaches:
Gold – P7,000
Silver – P5,000
Bronze – P3,000
Assistant Coaches and Chaperones:
Gold – P5,000
Silver – P3,000
Bronze – P2,000
Trainers:
Gold – P4,000
Silver – P2,500
Bronze – P1,500
According to Sports Coordinator Lila Arro, Bacolod athletes delivered strong performances across all categories:
Elementary Boys: 32 gold, 61 silver, 56 bronze
Elementary Girls: 58 gold, 47 silver, 32 bronze
Secondary Boys: 134 gold, 47 silver, 41 bronze
Secondary Girls: 114 gold, 54 silver, 68 bronze
Paragames: 27 gold, 25 silver, 7 bronze
Gymnastics coach Wilfredo Cervantes Jr., who trains athletes from Bata Elementary School and Bata National High School under the Bacolod Flip Twist Gymnastics Club, noted that the incentives represent more than financial support – they are a symbol of recognition for years of dedication and family sacrifice. Cervantes coaches his own children – Gavhien Eauhaan, Givhien Eaunice, Jeenxzue Mylz, and Beivaan Caedmon – who compete in men’s artistic gymnastics and dance sports.
He shared that training has strengthened their family bond.
“We would not have achieved all of this without the support of the city. That is why we are truly grateful,” Cervantes said.
Standout archer Isabella Unna Ejercito of Bacolod Trinity Christian School Inc. received the highest individual incentive of P38,000, having won six gold and two silver medals in archery.
The four-year competitor said the funds will help cover equipment costs and support her family. She previously earned one gold and two silver medals at last year’s Palarong Pambansa and is focused on improving her performance in 2026.
“I am very thankful that the city recognizes our hard work. This inspires me to train harder and represent Bacolod with pride,” she said.
After a brief two-week break, Bacolod’s athletes have resumed intensive training for Palarong Pambansa 2026, which is set to begin on May 24 in Agusan del Sur.
The Bacolod City government, in partnership with the Department of Education, continues to invest in youth and sports development by providing funding, training support, and incentives to student-athletes competing at regional and national levels, the BCCO said.*
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