• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod City government is planning to provide financial subsidies to athletes representing the Negros Island Region (NIR) in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa 2026.
Mayor Greg Gasataya announced that the city aims to assist the Department of Education (DepEd) – NIR by subsidizing over 240 athletes scheduled to compete in Agusan Del Sur this May.
“We do understand the situation of the DepEd-NIR, so we’re studying the possibility of the city, not just helping, but subsidizing the athletes representing the NIR,” he said.
Gasataya said more than 40 percent of the regional delegation hails from Bacolod City, prompting concerns regarding the significant travel and participation expenses faced by DepEd.
The support follows Bacolod City’s dominant performance as the overall champion in the inaugural Negros Island Region Athletic Association Meet.
The mayor said that the city government has set aside funds for all medalists and is currently finalizing the incentives with the DepEd.*
