By CESAR JOLITO III
More than 13,000 athletes, coaches, officials, and delegates from 17 regions across the country filled the Panaad Park and Stadium as this year’s National Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) Games officially opened in Bacolod City, marking one of the largest private school sporting events in the Philippines.
Delegates from over 600 private schools, colleges and universities participated in the grand parade during the opening ceremony, carrying regional banners and showcasing their cultural identity in a celebration of sportsmanship, unity and youth excellence.
This year’s PRISAA Games feature competitions in 22 sporting disciplines, four cultural events and two academic categories for high school and collegiate student-athletes aged 25 years old and below.
With the theme “Inspiring Dreams, Igniting Passion, Innovating Pathways to the Olympics,” organizers highlighted the role of PRISAA as a grassroots sports development program aimed at discovering and nurturing future national athletes and Olympians.
Among the national officials present during the opening rites were Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio and PSC commissioners, reaffirming support for grassroots sports and youth development programs in the country.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya welcomed the thousands of delegates and guests, highlighting the hospitality and culture of Negros Occidental and Bacolod City as hosts of the national meet.
In his message, Lacson said PRISAA continues to serve as an important platform for developing not only athletic talent but also leadership, discipline, perseverance, and character among young Filipinos.
“Today’s opening ceremony marks the start of a competition, while also opening doors to new friendships, new experiences, and opportunities for our young athletes to challenge themselves and grow both on and off the playing field,” Lacson said.
The governor also reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to supporting programs that promote youth development, physical wellness, education, and nation-building through sports.
Students from STI – West Negros University participated in the opening performances, while colleges and universities from the Negros Island Region (NIR) showcased cultural presentations during the ceremony.
Meanwhile, National PRISAA and NIR PRISAA President Dr. Mark Molina also provided an update regarding a taekwondo athlete from Region 9 who sustained injuries in an accident while using a comfort room prior to the opening ceremony.
Molina said the athlete was immediately brought to a hospital in Bacolod for treatment and is now recovering.
PRISAA National Executive Director Elbert Atilano, Jr. said the incident tested the preparedness of the host organizers in responding to emergency situations while also expressing gratitude to the NIR PRISAA and medical responders for their immediate action.
Organizers also assured delegates and athletes that measures are in place to address the effects of the high heat index during the duration of the national games.
Atilano said covered playing venues were selected for competitions, while schedules were adjusted to avoid prolonged exposure of athletes to extreme heat conditions.
Organizers described the opening ceremony as a celebration of athletic excellence, Filipino culture, and unity among student-athletes from across the nation./CJ, WDJ