By CESAR JOLITO III
More than 8,600 delegates are set to compete in the inaugural Negros Island Region Athletic Association Meet (NIRAAM) 2026, which will be held from March 1 to 7, bringing together young athletes from across NIR in a historic regional sporting event.
Organizers reported a total of 8,648 participants representing various divisions. These include 989 delegates from Negros Oriental, 850 from Negros Occidental, and 663 from Siquijor.
The delegates include 902 from Bacolod City, 698 from Kabankalan City, and 792 from Silay City, all in Negros Occidental; while 421 are from Bais City, 925 from Bayawan City, 600 from Canlaon City, 850 from Dumaguete City, 458 from Guihulngan City, and 500 from Tanjay City, all in Negros Oriental.
Department of Education-NIR Director Ramir Uytico noted that while some areas may still need refinement, these are expected in the first staging of the regional games.
Uytico lauded the efforts and sacrifices of the Bacolod City local government unit, the Schools Division Office headed by Superintendent Dennis Develos, as well as teachers and school administrators, in presenting Bacolod as a “unique” host city.
He stressed the importance of unity and cooperation among stakeholders to ensure the success of the event.
Security
Safety and security have been identified as the top priority for the inaugural NIRAAM, with the Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) committing to provide comprehensive security coverage throughout the duration of the games, from February 28 to March 7.
PRO-NIR said around 145 police personnel will be deployed for the event, including 75 personnel from the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office and 25 personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, who will augment the Bacolod City Police Office to strengthen operational coverage.
The deployed forces will secure playing venues, billeting areas, and other event sites, ensuring the safety of athletes, officials, spectators, and the public.
The police deployment will feature a visible presence, strategic monitoring, and rapid response readiness, with PRO-NIR coordinating closely with local government units and DepEd to maintain a safe, secure and orderly environment.
Authorities said all necessary measures have been put in place to anticipate challenges, prevent risks and ensure the smooth conduct of NIRAAM 2026./CJ, WDJ