The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has expressed full confidence in the Bacolod City’s readiness to host Batang Pinoy 2026 from December 12 to 18.
Speaking during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday, June 23, at the PSC Main Building inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila, PSC Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio highlighted the strong partnership between the PSC and Bacolod City in staging Batang Pinoy and other sports development initiatives, a Bacolod City Communications Office press release said.
“That’s what I always say when asked about the criteria for considering an LGU, a city, or a province to host a PSC event in partnership with DepEd and DILG. It’s important to note how involved the mayor and governor are because if there is commitment, it will surely happen,” Gregorio said.
Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya said he is optimistic optimism about hosting the annual youth sports competition, citing strong private sector support, more than 4,000 hotel rooms, and numerous Airbnb accommodations available for delegates and visitors.
Gasataya said the city is confident that all facilities will be ready, particularly with the completion of the Bacolod Coliseum expected in the third quarter of the year. He also announced the development of a mobile sports application that will provide schedules of games and athletes’ profiles online.
“Bacolod is all in when it comes to hosting Batang Pinoy,” Gasataya said.
The mayor also thanked the PSC for once again selecting Bacolod as host of the Batang Pinoy Games. The city previously staged the inaugural edition of the national youth competition in 1999 and subsequently hosted the event in 2001 and 2014.
Bacolod recently hosted the Negros Island Regional Athletic Association (NIRAA) Meet, the National Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) competitions, and the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers 2026.
“Aside from having the best chicken inasal, the world-famous MassKara Festival, and the warm hospitality of our people, we envision Bacolod as the premier regional sports destination,” Gasataya said.
More than 15,000 delegates are expected to participate in the national youth sports meet, which will feature student-athletes aged 8 to 15 from across the country.
Gregorio also emphasized the alignment between Batang Pinoy and the Palarong Pambansa, noting that strengthening grassroots sports development for athletes aged 8 to 15 would better prepare them for national and international competitions.
“When it comes to Batang Pinoy, they are the superstars,” he quipped.
The press briefing also featured the unveiling of the Batang Pinoy 2026 logo and branding.
Joining the official launch were Department of Education representative Miguel Angelo Mantaring, Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Rolando Puno, PSC Commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo, Bacolod City Administrator Mark Steven Mayo, and Atty. Rhett Demonteverde.
Puno reiterated the DILG’s commitment to encouraging local government units to deepen their support for grassroots sports.
“Champions are made by a whole-of-nation effort that nurtures talent at every stage of a young athlete’s journey. That is the spirit of Batang Pinoy,” Puno said.
Meanwhile, Coo announced that Batang Pinoy 2026 will feature 30 sports disciplines, including golf, skateboarding, bowling, and baseball.
Other events on the program are archery, arnis, aquatics, athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, chess, cycling, dancesport, futsal, gymnastics, jiu-jitsu, judo, karate, kickboxing, muay thai, pencak silat, sepak takraw, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, and wushu.
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