By CESAR JOLITO III

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has urged the public to set aside ongoing controversies surrounding the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City and concentrate on supporting athletes participating in the first-ever Negros Island Regional Athletic Association Meet (NIRAAM) 2026.

Reports have surfaced that Bacolod City, host of this year’s regional sports event, allegedly failed to settle payments for the use of provincial-owned facilities at the stadium.

Lacson, however, stressed that such issues should be addressed after the competition concludes.

The inaugural edition of NIRAAM 2026 formally opened on Sunday, March 1, at the Panaad Park and Stadium, drawing more than 10,000 participants from across Negros Island.

The event features athletes, coaches and support personnel from cities and provinces including Siquijor, Bais City, Guihulngan City, Tanjay City, Bayawan City, Canlaon City, Dumaguete City, Kabankalan City, Silay City, Negros Occidental, and host Bacolod City.

The games involve 10,745 delegates, composed of 5,462 athletes, 1,255 coaches, and 4,003 members of delegation support teams.

Lacson’s appeal reflects a push to ensure that the spotlight remains on athletic performance and regional camaraderie, rather than administrative disputes./CJ, WDJ