Student-athletes from Bacolod City emerged as champions at the recently concluded week-long Negros Island Regional Athletics Association Meet (NIRAAM), held from March 1 to 7 at Panaad Park and Stadium. The team secured a total of 165 gold, 102 silver, and 102 bronze medals across all sports events at the regional meet. Mayor Greg Gasata praised the athletes, saying that behind every medal is a young Bacolodnon—covered in sweat and dust, breathing hard, legs aching—yet with eyes burning with determination, pushing beyond limits not just for victory, but for their teammates and the pride of the city. He emphasized that this achievement reflects his long-held belief that supporting one another leads to shared victories, not individual wins. “What makes this triumph even more meaningful is the spirit behind it. I witnessed teammates cheering from the sidelines, athletes lifting each other after setbacks, and the entire city rallying behind its youth.” In this year’s regional meet standings, Bacolod City was declared the overall champion. It was followed by Negros Occidental, which tallied 150 gold, 152 silver, and 102 bronze medals. Negros Oriental placed as the 2nd runner-up with 33 gold, 39 silver, and 59 bronze medals. The remaining participating local government units, in order of ranking, were Dumaguete City, Bayawan City, Kabankalan City, Silay City, Bais City, Guihulngan City, Siquijor, Tanjay City, and Canlaon City. Qualifiers from NIRAAM will represent the Negros Island Region at the upcoming Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur, scheduled for May 24 to 31. (Bacolod City Communications Office)