GASATAYA leads the send-off ceremony for 286 delegates in the Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur Friday, May 15. (Bacolod City Communications Office)
BACOLOD CITY – This highly-urbanized city has extended P17.3 million in financial assistance to support the 286 delegates representing this city in this year's Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur from May 24 to 31.
The send-off ceremony for the student-athletes, coaches, trainers, and chaperones was held at the Bacolod City Government Center on Friday, May 15.
Mayor Greg Gasataya and Dennis Develos, Schools Division Superintendent of the Department of Education (DepEd)-Bacolod, have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) stating that the city government will cover the expenses of the delegation, including transportation allowance, accommodation, specialized sports shoes, and uniforms.
One hundred-eighty eight athletes, coaches, assistant coaches, chaperones, and trainers will receive P4,000 playing allowance, P6,000 food allowance, and P9,000 training allowance.
“We consider this an investment in the future of our youth,” Gasataya said in a statement, expressing hope that the next Olympian will come from the "City of Smiles."
Develos said the city's strong support is expected to further motivate the athletes to perform well and aim for more gold medals in the national competition.
More than 600 student-athletes from the Negros Island Region (NIR) are competing in the Palaro.