By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Bacolod City is being considered as the host of the Philippine Sports Expo (PSE) in April 2026, with discussions underway to bring the national multisport event to the city.
Mayor Greg Gasataya has expressed strong interest in welcoming the inaugural staging of the sports expo as Bacolod continues positioning itself as the sports capital of the region.
According to PSE event director Rachelle Villarosa, Bacolod stands out as one of the country’s most competitive host cities due to its accessibility, readiness of facilities and strong sports culture.
“Hosting the PSE is projected to deliver a strong tourism and economic boost across accommodation, food services, transport, expo suppliers, and local microenterprises,” Villarosa said, noting that the event is expected to draw more than 15,000 participants and visitors.
Designed to serve as a platform for the discovery and development of young athletes, the expo aims to provide greater exposure for emerging talents from Bacolod and Negros Occidental and help strengthen the region’s grassroots sports programs.
“Over the next three years, the region is expected to experience strengthened sports tourism, growth of local sports businesses, and better opportunities for local athletes,” Villarosa added.
The 2026 PSE is projected to gather about 7,500 young athletes from across the country who will compete in more than 17 sports, including basketball, volleyball, pickleball, football, taekwondo, table tennis, archery, boxing, arnis, marathon, motorsports, swimming, billiards, weightlifting, e-sports, and wrestling.
A major highlight of the event will be the skateboarding competition, to be held at the country’s largest covered skate park and multipurpose center with a basketball court in Barangay Vista Alegre.
The planned hosting comes as Bacolod was also officially named by Philippine Sports Commission chairman John Patrick Gregorio as the venue for next year’s Batang Pinoy National Youth Games.
The city is likewise set to host the Private Schools Athletic Association National Games from May 18 to 25, 2026./ASC, WDJ