By CESAR JOLITO III

Bacolod City is poised to become the sports capital of the newly restored Negros Island Region (NIR) as Mayor Greg Gasataya confirmed that the city will host the inaugural Negros Island Region Athletics Association (NIRAA) Meet in February 2026 — a first in the region’s history.

But the bigger breakthrough came with the mayor’s announcement that athletes in the Bacolod division will no longer compete in the Provincial Meet and will instead advance directly to the regional competition.

This marks the first time a division in Negros has been granted direct entry, underscoring Bacolod’s independent status under NIR.

The announcement was made during the opening of the 2025 Division Athletic Association Meet at the University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos Amphitheater, where 2,978 athletes, coaches and officials gathered.

Major boost in athlete support

Gasataya unveiled an expanded support program for the city’s 902-athlete delegation to the 2026 NIRAA, including full training gear, uniforms and shoes shouldered by the city government.

In another unprecedented move, Bacolod athletes advancing to regionals will receive a P300 daily allowance during their 30-day intensive training, the first time the city has allocated a specific budget for pre-competition athlete support.

“We have to give our best. The city will support you in any way we can to ensure Bacolod will be home to the next Olympic gold medalist,” Gasataya told the athletes, emphasizing the city’s expanded grassroots sports agenda and aspirations for sports tourism.

Bacolod is also lobbying with the Philippine Sports Commission to be named the Regional Training Center for Gymnastics and Archery, aligning the city with long-term plans to elevate NIR’s athletic competitiveness and attract more sports events.

Running from December 1 to 5, the Division Meet now serves as the city’s exclusive qualifying stage for the regional delegation. The competition features 29 events from eight elementary districts and five secondary units.

Officials in attendance included Carmeli Bantug-Zayco representing the office of Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, Councilor Jason Villarosa, and division leaders from the Department of Education.

As Bacolod readies itself to host thousands of delegates for the first NIRAA, the city positions this week’s Division Meet not only as a selection platform but as a clear signal of its emergence as a premier sports hub in NIR./CJ, WDJ