Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said Negros Occidental is also aiming to win the championship at the first ever Negros Island Region Athletic Association Meet (NIRAAM) on March 1 to 7.
“We will go out there to compete and win,” the governor said on Thursday, Feb. 26.
Mayor Greg Gasataya on Wednesday said Bacolod City is aiming for the championship.
Five cities in Negros Occidental, including Bacolod, will host the 2026 NIRAAM on March 1 to 7.
The 12 contingents that will see action in the first Department of Education (DepEd)-led regional sports competition in the NIR are Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Bacolod City, Silay City, Kabankalan City, Dumaguete City, Canlaon City, Bais City, Bayawan City, Guihulngan City and Tanjay City.
The opening ceremony will be held at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan in Bacolod City 4 p.m. on March 1.
“What is important is after the regional meet we all represent one region, which is the NIR, at the national games,” Lacson said.
“Since this will be the maiden participation of NIR in the Palaro we also want to have a strong showing. We will send the best that NIR can produce,” Lacson said.
He hopes in the choice of regional team following the meet most of the athletes will come from Negros Occidental.
The provincial government has allocated a budget for its athletes’ uniforms and training, he said.*
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