(From left to right) Executive Assistant Atty. Rhett Demonteverde, City Administrator Atty. Mark Mayo, Councilor Jason Villarosa, Girl Councilor Martha Agulan, Boy Mayor Humphrey Bayot, and Mayor Greg Gasataya with PSE President Michael Herrera, Event Director Rachelle Villarosa, Atty. Pacifico Maghari III, Architect Cris Laino, and City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu during the presentation of the proposed Sports Expo next year.

BACOLOD CITY – Mark your calendars as Bacolod City gears up for another major national sporting event, with the Philippine Sports Expo (PSE) currently in discussions to bring its national competitions to the city in April 2026. Mayor Greg Gasataya has already expressed strong interest in hosting the first of its kind sports expo in Bacolod as it continues to position itself as the sports capital of the region. PSE Event Director Rachelle Villarosa said Bacolod stands out as one of the Philippines’ most competitive host cities due to its unique blend of accessibility, infrastructure readiness, and strong sports culture. “Hosting the PSE is projected to deliver a strong tourism and economic boost across accommodation, food services, transport, expo suppliers, and local micro-enterprises,” Villarosa said, expressing confidence that the event will generate significant income, with more than 15,000 participants and visitors expected. Designed as a platform for the discovery, development, and exposure of young athletes, the sports expo will serve as a launchpad for the next generation of Negrense and Bacolodnon athletes, helping build a stronger foundation for regional sports excellence. “Over the next three years, the region is expected to experience strengthened sports tourism, growth of local sports businesses, and better opportunities for local athletes,” Villarosa added. The event is expected to draw close to 7,500 young athletes from across the country who will compete in more than 17 sports disciplines, including basketball, volleyball, pickleball, football, taekwondo, table tennis, archery, boxing, arnis, marathon, motorsports, swimming, billiards, weightlifting, e-sports, wrestling, and more. One of the highlights will be the skateboarding competition, set to be held at the biggest covered skate park and multi-purpose center with a basketball court in Barangay Vista Alegre. Earlier, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman John Patrick Gregorio also officially announced Bacolod as the host city for next year’s Batang Pinoy National Youth Games. The city will likewise host the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Games from May 18 to 25. (Bacolod City Communications Office)