Bacolod City Triumphs as Overall Champion at Historic Negros Island Regional Athletics Meet
The city of Bacolod has been officially declared the overall champion at the very first Negros Island Regional Athletics Association Meet, commonly referred to as Niraam. This landmark sporting event unfolded from March 1 to 7, 2026, at the prestigious Panaad Park and Stadium located in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.
Medal Tally and Final Standings
Bacolod City demonstrated exceptional athletic prowess by amassing a total of 165 gold medals, alongside 102 silver and 102 bronze medals across all sports disciplines during the regional meet. This impressive haul secured their top position in the overall rankings.
Following closely, Negros Occidental claimed the first runner-up spot with a commendable tally of 150 gold, 152 silver, and 102 bronze medals. Negros Oriental earned the second runner-up position, finishing with 33 gold, 39 silver, and 59 bronze medals.
The remaining participating local government units were ranked in the following order: Dumaguete City, Bayawan City, Kabankalan City, Silay City, Bais City, Guihulngan City, Siquijor, Tanjay City, and Canlaon City.
Category-Specific Champions and Special Awards
In the secondary category, Bacolod City was again declared champion, with Negros Occidental as first runner-up and Negros Oriental as second runner-up. For the elementary category, Negros Occidental took the champion title, while Bacolod City secured first runner-up and Kabankalan City was second runner-up.
The ParaGames saw Negros Occidental crowned champion, followed by Bacolod City as first runner-up and Silay City as second runner-up.
A series of special awards were also distributed during the event:
- Most Disciplined Delegation: Dumaguete City (champion), Negros Occidental (first runner-up), Bayawan City (second runner-up).
- Best in Uniform: Bayawan City (champion), Negros Occidental (first runner-up), Negros Oriental (second runner-up).
- Best in Saludo: Bayawan City (champion), Negros Occidental (first runner-up), Dumaguete City (second runner-up).
- Most Festive Delegation: Negros Occidental (champion), Bayawan City (first runner-up), Bais City (second runner-up).
- Best Wellness Space: Bayawan City (champion), Negros Occidental (first runner-up), Silay City (second runner-up).
- Cleanliness and Greenest Delegation: Negros Occidental (champion), Bayawan City (first runner-up), Dumaguete City (second runner-up).
Financial Commitment and Mayoral Reflections
To host this inaugural event, Bacolod City allocated a substantial budget of P30.5 million. Mayor Greg Gasataya expressed profound gratitude to all athletes, coaches, and trainers who participated, with special mention to the local Bacolodnons.
"Behind every medal is a young Bacolodnon—covered in sweat and dust, breathing hard, legs aching—yet with eyes burning with determination, pushing beyond limits not just for victory, but for their teammates and the pride of the city," Mayor Gasataya stated emotionally.
He emphasized that this achievement reflects his enduring belief that mutual support leads to collective victories rather than individual triumphs. "What makes this triumph even more meaningful is the spirit behind it. I witnessed teammates cheering from the sidelines, athletes lifting each other after setbacks, and the entire city rallying behind its youth," he added.
Looking Ahead to Future Sporting Events
Mayor Gasataya declared this victory as merely the beginning. He pledged full support for athletes who will represent Bacolod at the upcoming Palarong Pambansa 2026. Furthermore, the city is eagerly preparing to welcome the nation as it proudly hosts both the Private Schools Athletic Association National Games 2026 and Batang Pinoy 2026.
"To all our champions, thank you for making your city proud. From the bottom of my heart, please know that just as you fought with all your heart for Bacolod, we will always stand with all our hearts to support you. Thank you, Niraam 2026, and I hope you enjoyed experiencing the City of Smiles and how it is to be stronger together," the mayor concluded.
