By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Athletes from Negros Occidental and Bacolod City delivered strong performances in various athletics events of the ongoing 2026 Negros Island Regional Athletic Association (NIRAA) Meet in Bacolod City.
Kristine Joy Bilbao of Negros Occidental topped the secondary girls shot put event to secure the gold medal.
Flojeme Ymbang of Bacolod settled for silver and Kirstyn Hope Ruiz claimed bronze.
Negros Occidental continued its dominance in track events, with Reynalyn Sedenio winning the gold medal in the secondary girls 400-meter dash.
Ashley Nicole Silvor also ruled the elementary girls 400-m dash, while Dennis Maguad added another gold for Negros Occidental after winning the elementary boys 400-m dash.
In the hurdles events, Zia Ashley Gomez delivered another victory for Negros Occidental after capturing gold in the secondary girls 100-m hurdles.
Faith Sarillo, representing Negros Occidental, topped the elementary girls 100-m hurdles.
Bacolod showcased its strength in field events, with Kane Benedict Laureano winning gold in the secondary boys shot put.
Kharl Allen Ecija of Negros Occidental earned silver, while Jeffrey Maranga Jr., also of Negros Occidental, finished with bronze.
Rajib Ash Catenza of Bacolod, a 12-year-old Grade 5 student, clinched the gold medal in the elementary boys 110-m hurdles.
Usain Navarro of Negros Oriental’s Bayawan City also shone in the secondary boys 110-m hurdles, securing the gold medal in his division.
In the elementary boys shot put, Lusaya Rail Onin of Negros Oriental’s Guihulngan City emerged victorious with the gold medal.
Kent Alexander dela Cruz of Negros Occidental took silver, while Valentin Juan Jose III of Siquijor settled for bronze.
Dumaguete City dominated the elementary girls shot put event, with Lorraine Anne Bayking winning gold and Jasheen dela Cruz taking silver.
Nikka Alidron of Negros Occidental’s Silay City completed the podium with a bronze medal finish.
Bacolod City also ruled the long jump events in the secondary division, courtesy of Gem Mark Flores in the boys category and Aliah Bree Diocson in the girls division, both securing gold medals.
The NIRAA Meet serves as a key regional competition that gathers top student-athletes from across Negros Island and nearby areas, highlighting emerging talents in track and field and other sporting events./ASC, WDJ