Bacolod City is taking another major step toward becoming one of the country’s premier sports destinations as discussions advance for the city to host the Philippine Sports Expo (PSE) in April 2026, an event projected to bring thousands of athletes, visitors and new economic activity to Negros Occidental.
City officials and event organizers confirmed that Bacolod is currently among the top contenders for the nationwide multi-sport expo, with Mayor Greg Gasataya expressing full support for bringing the inaugural PSE to the city.
The move comes as Bacolod doubles down on its bid to cement its reputation as the regional sports capital.
PSE Event Director Rachelle Villarosa said Bacolod’s strong sports culture, strategic accessibility and ready facilities make it one of the most competitive host cities in the Philippines.
“Hosting the Philippine Sports Expo is projected to significantly stimulate tourism and the local economy — from hotels and transport to food services, suppliers and micro-businesses,” Villarosa said.
Preliminary estimates place expected turnout at over 15,000 participants and spectators.
If finalized, the expo will bring together nearly 7,500 young athletes from across the country to compete in more than 17 sporting disciplines, including basketball, volleyball, e-sports, motorsports, archery, swimming, table tennis, and more.
Among the major attractions will be the skateboarding competition at the newly built covered skate park and multipurpose basketball center in Barangay Vista Alegre — the largest of its kind in the country.
Beyond the immediate economic impact, organizers said the event aims to strengthen the talent pipeline for Negros and Western Visayas.
The expo is envisioned as a long-term platform to discover and develop emerging athletes, with Villarosa noting that the next three years will be critical to building stronger sports programs and supporting local sports-driven enterprises.
Bacolod’s growing portfolio of national events also reinforces its rising status in Philippine sports tourism. Philippine Sports Commission Chairman John Patrick Gregorio earlier confirmed the city as the host of the 2026 Batang Pinoy National Youth Games.
Bacolod is likewise preparing to welcome thousands more athletes for the PRISAA National Games scheduled from May 18 to 25 next year./WDJ