Bacolod City – Mayor Greg Gasataya led the distribution of cash incentives to 284 delegates of the Palarong Pambansa 2026, including athletes, coaches, trainers, and chaperones, during a recognition and awarding ceremony held at the Bacolod City Government Center on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

A total of P1.782 million was allocated for 54 medalists, 48 coaches, trainers, and chaperones, and 133 non-placers from Bacolod City who represented the Negros Island Region in the national competition held in Agusan del Sur from May 24 to 31, 2026.

“We know that bringing home medals was not easy. But the mere fact that you represented the region is more than enough, and for that, we are proud of what you have accomplished,” Gasataya said.

Among the 54 medalists was 12-year-old swimmer Sofia Ysabel Secuelan, who won three gold medals in the elementary swimming competition — the 100-meter backstroke, 50-meter backstroke, and 4×50-meter relay.

She received a total of P54,000 in cash incentives for her outstanding performance. “It means a lot to me because I worked really hard to achieve this,” said Secuelan, recalling how she balanced her studies and training in preparation for the national competition.

“It was very crazy because I was shocked to compete at Palaro,” she added. Secuelan and her coach and trainer, Many Mendez Jr., emphasized that the support provided by the city government served as motivation for the athletes during the competition.

“It was unexpected, especially with the help and support given by the mayor, which motivated us and inspired our athletes to win,” Mendez said.

Bacolod City National High School softball team captain Criszhiel Barlita also expressed gratitude to the mayor, the City Council, officials of the Department of Education–Schools Division Office of Bacolod, coaches, trainers, and parents for their support after the team captured the gold medal in the secondary girls’ softball tournament.

“With your all-out support, we strive to bring the crown back to Bacolod,” Barlita said. Gold medalists and their coaches each received P18,000, while assistant coaches were given P15,000.

Trainers and chaperones received P10,000 each. Silver medalists and their coaches each received P15,000, assistant coaches received P12,000, while trainers and chaperones were granted P8,000 each.

Bronze medalists and their coaches received P10,000 each, assistant coaches received P8,000, while trainers and chaperones received P5,000 each.

A total of P182,000 was allocated for non-placers. Also present during the payout were Schools Division Superintendent Dennis Develos, Sports Coordinator Lila Arro, and other Department of Education officials. (BACOLOD CITY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE)