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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Inaugural NIRAAM kicks off in Bacolod

Inaugural NIRAAM kicks off in Bacolod

Published Mar 2, 2026 03:10 pm
THE first Negros Island Regional Athletic Association Meet (NIRAAM) hosted by Bacolod City kicked off Sunday at Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan. (Glazyl Masculino)
THE first Negros Island Regional Athletic Association Meet (NIRAAM) hosted by Bacolod City kicked off Sunday at Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan. (Glazyl Masculino)
BACOLOD CITY – This highly-urbanized city welcomed more than 10,000 delegates and visitors during the inaugural Negros Island Regional Athletic Association Meet (NIRAAM) 2026 at Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan here on Sunday, March 1.
Dr. Ramir Uytico, director of Department of Education-Negros Island Region (DepEd-NIR), said 989 delegates were from Negros Oriental, 925 from Bayawan City, 902 from this city, 850 each from Negros Occidental and Dumaguete City, 792 from Silay City, 698 from Kabankalan City, 663 from Siquijor, 600 from Canlaon City, 500 from Tanjay City, 458 from Guihulngan City, and 421 from Bais City, for a total of 8,648.
Uytico highlighted the enthusiasm of Canlaon City to join the regional sports event amid Kanlaon Volcano’s heightened seismic activities.
“We saw that no disaster or eventuality would prevent them to develop their learners,” he said in a media interview.
In his welcome message, Mayor Greg Gasataya highlighted the efforts and preparations of the student-athletes for NIRAAM.
“This is now your time. This is now your opportunity, make the most of NIRAAM 2026 because you will be representing NIR in Palarong Pambansa,” he said.
Gasataya stressed the importance of providing continued support for the young athletes. “We believed that the next Olympian is from the Negros Island Region, especially Bacolod City,” the mayor said.
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson echoed the mayor’s sentiments, reminding athletes that the meet serves as a crucial opportunity to prove themselves and earn a spot to represent the region in the Palarong Pambansa.
Education Undersecretary for Senior Personnel Oversight Peter Irving Corvera, keynote speaker, emphasized the value of athletics in youth development.
“Sports keep our youth disciplined and resilient. You have earned your place here, it was not by accident,” Corvera said.
Corvera noted the challenges of young athletes especially from provinces, citing lack of facilities and gears.
But he stressed the DepEd’s move in ensuring the continuity of sports programs for the students, making them disciplined, confident, and resilient.
"Sports is no longer treated as extra. It is essential because we believe that a strong nation is filled by strong, disciplined and confident young people,” he said.
He encouraged young athletes to continue their sports journey and never give up on their dreams.
“This is not just about being a champion in the arena, but also winning in life,” he said. “Winning is not about competing with others but about conquering yourselves.”
Spectators were treated to dynamic performances from the iconic MassKara Festival dancers, as well as field demonstrations by Handumanan National High School and Domingo Lacson National High School.
Delegates from the 12 participating school divisions also performed during their entrance. The opening was capped by a fireworks display. NIRAAM ends on Sunday, March 7.  Local officials were also present.

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