The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) announced the return of the annual Batang Pinoy National Championships to Bacolod City during the closing ceremony of the Batang Pinoy 2025 in General Santos City on Thursday, October 30.
PSC Chairman John Patrick Gregorio confirmed that Bacolod will be the host city for the Batang Pinoy National Championships 2026.
It is a “fitting homecoming” for the City of Smiles, which hosted the inaugural Batang Pinoy in 1999 and again in 2001 and 2013, Gregorio said.
“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 told the crowd at the closing rites.
During the turnover rites, Gregorio handed the ceremonial Batang Pinoy banner to Jose Marty Go, Secretary to the Mayor, who represented Mayor Greg Gasataya.
In his recorded acceptance message, Gasataya thanked the PSC for choosing Bacolod to host 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.
He cited the role of Batang Pinoy in developing athletes like Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and world champion Carlos Yulo.
Gregorio also thanked General Santos City through Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao for hosting this year’s games, which included nearly 19,000 athletes and delegates from across the country competing in 27 sports.
As Bacolod prepares to host the 17th edition, the city is set to showcase its hospitality, culture, and passion for sports, he said.*