Mayor Greg Gasataya continues to prioritize support for student-athletes from Bacolod City, as well as the Negros Island Region delegation competing in the Palarong Pambansa 2026 in Agusan del Sur on May 24–31, 2026.

Under the Memorandum of Agreement signed by Mayor Gasataya and Dennis Develos, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd Bacolod City, Friday, May 8, 2026, the Bacolod City government will cover the expenses of the 286 delegates joining the national competition.

The assistance includes transportation allowance, accommodation, specialized sports shoes, and uniforms for the city’s athletes.

A total of 188 athletes along with coaches, assistant coaches, chaperones, and trainers will also receive: • P4,000 playing allowance • P6,000 food allowance • P9,000 training allowance “We consider this an investment in the future of our youth,” Mayor Gasataya said, expressing hope that the next Olympian will come from Bacolod City.

“Bacolod will produce an Olympian, and we start by giving support from the grassroots level,” the mayor added. The city government’s continued support for student-athletes started from the Division Meet up to this year’s Negros Island Regional Athletic Association Meet, where Bacolod City emerged as overall champion.

Develos said the strong support from the city government is expected to further motivate the athletes to perform well and aim for more gold medals in the national competition.

“Given all of this, I don’t think they won’t get motivated to get a lot of golds which is definitely our goal for this year’s national competition,” Develos added.

A ceremonial send-off for the delegation is scheduled on May 15. More than 600 student-athletes from the Negros Island Region and Siquijor are expected to compete in Agusan del Sur, with Bacolod City leading the region’s campaign for victory in this year’s national tourney. (BACOLOD CITY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE)