A total of ₱17.3 million in financial assistance has been allocated by the Bacolod City government to support student-athletes who are part of the Negros Island Region (NIR) delegation competing in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa 2026.
The funding was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement signed Friday, May 8, by Mayor Greg Gasataya and Dennis Develos, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd Bacolod City.
The allocation is designed to cover the full expenses of the city’s 286 delegates for the national games, which will be held in Agusan del Sur from May 24–31.
Under the agreement, 188 athletes, along with their coaches, assistant coaches, chaperones, and trainers, will receive a comprehensive benefits package, including: • ₱9,000 training allowance • ₱6,000 food allowance • ₱4,000 playing allowance
The city government will also provide transportation allowances, accommodation, specialized sports shoes, and official uniforms.
“We consider this an investment in the future of our youth,” Gasataya said, noting that the city aims to nurture world-class talent.
“Bacolod will produce an Olympian, and we start by giving support from the grassroots level, ” he said. The financial backing follows Bacolod City’s recent success as the overall champion in the Negros Island Regional Athletic Association (NIRAA) Meet.
Develos expressed confidence that the substantial investment would translate into results on the field. “Given all of this, I don’t think they won’t get motivated to get a lot of golds, which is definitely our goal for this year’s national competition,” Develos said.
Bacolod City leads the region’s campaign as part of a larger contingent of more than 600 student-athletes from Negros Island and Siquijor.
A ceremonial send-off for the delegation is scheduled for May 15.*
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