Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman John Patrick Gregorio lauded Mayor Greg Gasataya and Bacolod City officials for intensifying the city’s sports tourism initiatives and strengthening its position as one of the country’s emerging sports destinations.

During the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement, May 9, 2026, for Bacolod City’s hosting of the 2026 Batang Pinoy National Championships on December 12-18, Gregorio recognized the city’s continued investment in grassroots sports development and sports infrastructure, which he said significantly contributes to tourism growth and economic activity.

“Yung positioning ng Bacolod as a sports destination and now as a tourism destination is a perfect combination. You can’t go wrong,” Gregorio said, emphasizing how the city’s renowned food culture and hospitality make Bacolod an ideal venue for major sporting events such as Batang Pinoy 2026. More than 15,000 delegates are expected to participate in the national youth sports competition.

The event will feature student-athletes aged 8 to 15 from across the country. Gregorio also highlighted the economic benefits generated by sports tourism, noting that athletes often travel with family members and supporters, further boosting local tourism and business activity.

“Wag niyo pong pakawalan ang opportunity na ’to and if you have other opportunities to host, it is really a great strategic positioning,” he added, congratulating the mayor and city officials for prioritizing sports tourism as part of Bacolod’s development agenda.

Bacolod is currently hosting the National Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) competition and is also set to host the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers 2026 from June 2 to 6. For his part, Mayor Gasataya expressed gratitude to the PSC for once again choosing Bacolod as host of the Batang Pinoy Games.

The city previously hosted the inaugural edition of the national youth competition in 1999, as well as the succeeding editions in 2001 and 2014. “The only thing we wanted to happen is for Bacolod City to produce the next Olympian.

That is why we are giving our full commitment and doing everything we can to support our athletes,” Gasataya said. Aside from granting Bacolod the hosting rights for Batang Pinoy 2026, the PSC is also exploring the establishment of a regional training hub for archery and baseball in the city, citing the abundance of promising local talent in both sports. (Bacolod City Communications Office)