BACOLOD CITY – The beauty of every start is the possibility of a better ending.

And Central Visayas proved just that as it edged Western Visayas for the overall crown at the conclusion of the 2026 National PRISAA Games on Friday, May 15, at the STI West Negros Gymnasium.

Central Visayas collected 132 gold, 73 silver, and 55 bronze medals to reign supreme in the seniors division and improve its second-place finish (115-62-99) in the previous edition held in Tuguegarao City.

They also topped the youth class, bagging 93 gold, 43 silver, and 63 bronze medals highlighted by the seven-gold haul of Filipino-Spaniard swimmer Luis Jurado.

Following behind is Western Visayas which took 108 gold, 60 silver, and 55 bronze medals.

SOCCSKSARGEN, the 2025 overall winner, sit at third in the senior level with 80 gold, 65 silver, and 54 bronze.

For national executive director Elbert “Bong” Atilano Sr., Bacolod's hosting was "very satisfactory" following its evaluation across five areas: organization, time management, venue, physical arrangements, and technical officials.

“Nakita naman natin sa results may pagbabago compared to last year, equally distributed ‘yong mga medals,” said Atilano. “Salamat sa lahat ng mga sumuporta, sa delegations, sa locals, sa mga NSA’s, pati na rin sa STI, to make sure na maging successful ‘tong competition.”

Meanwhile, Western Visayas’ Central Philippine University (CPU) exacted its revenge on SOCCSKSARGEN’s Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, 27-25, 21-25, 25-22, 25-12, to reclaim the women’s volleyball crown.

In men’s 5x5 basketball, University of the Visayas (UV) toppled Region IV-A’s Saint Dominic College of Asia, 62-52, to hoist the championship trophy, while Region 12 and Region 7 ruled the men’s and boys’ 3x3 basketball.