By Jerome S. Galunan, Jr.

With a total 276 medals, as of 5:00 p.m. yesterday, Bacolod City is pulling away as the likely overall champion of the 2017 Palarong NIR, currently taking place in Dumaguete City.
Bacolod City currently has 71 gold, 47 silver, and 37 bronze in the secondary division; along with a haul of 60 gold, 28 silver, and 33 bronze medals in the elementary division.
The Negros Occidental selection trails in second place with a total 193 medals.
Dumaguete City, the host, recently overtook Bago City for third. La Carlota City currently sits in fifth.
Meanwhile, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia is currently speaking with Department of Education-Bacolod (DepEd-Bacolod) Schools Division Superintendent Cynthia Demavivas on plans for honoring the city delegation upon their return from the competition./WDJ