NIR delegation in the Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur. (Mayor Greg Gasataya FB)
BACOLOD CITY – Around 956 delegates are representing Negros Island Region (NIR) for the first time in the Palarong Pambansa in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur which kicked off on Sunday, May 24.
Dr. Ramir Uytico, director of the Department of Education (DepEd)-NIR, and Anthony Hilagos Liobet, officer-in-charge assistant regional director, led the delegation called the “Visayan Vipers” clad in green colors from Negros Occidental, including this highly-urbanized city, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, with Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental Mayor Benjie Miranda and wife Vice Mayor Divina Gracia Miranda, during the opening ceremonies.
Prior to their arrival in Agusan del Sur, some of the delegates experienced delay in their arrival in Cebu due to shipping line system glitch and overbooking.
However, through coordination with port and shipping management, they safely departed after non-DepEd passengers voluntarily gave up their accommodations for the student-athletes while the remaining delegates were safely accommodated with all meals provided and prioritized for departure in the next available schedule.
The delegation from this city departed from Bayugan City and travelled via a route passing through Cagayan de Oro City.
The DepEd-NIR assured all stakeholders that the safety, comfort, and morale of the entire delegation remain their top priority.
Upon arrival in Agusan del Sur, the delegation received a vibrant and heartfelt welcome. They proceeded to the Agusan del Sur College Inc., where school officials and local organizers prepared festive reception activities for them.
Welcoming banners, energetic drum and bugle performances, and lively cultural dances filled the atmosphere as delegates were officially received by the host community.
To ensure the comfort and readiness of the athletes, members of the DepEd-NIR Technical Working Group facilitated the distribution of meals, snacks, and official Palaro kits before endorsing delegates to their designated quarters.
“We are rooting and praying for each and every one of you, our dear athletes,” said Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya. There are 286 athletes from this city or more than 30 percent of the NIR delegation.
Palaro ends on Sunday, May 31.