Bacolod engages coaches for Batang Pinoy 2026

BACOLOD CITY — Sports organizations and coaches gathered for a stakeholders’ meeting to discuss preparations for athletes representing Bacolod City in Batang Pinoy 2026.

Bacolod will host the national youth games from Dec. 12 to 18.

Mayor Greg Gasataya assured the city’s contingent that the local government would provide full financial and logistical support to help athletes prepare for the competition.

“We assure you that the support of the City of Bacolod will always be there because we know it’s not just a matter of competition or winning medals. What is important is that we are providing opportunities for our Bacolodnon youth to compete at higher levels of sports,” Mayor Gasataya said.

Gasataya said the city’s preparations extend beyond its athletes to the requirements of hosting the national event.

He previously met with accommodation providers to strengthen collaboration and promote an inclusive, citywide hosting effort.

Batang Pinoy 2026 will bring together athletes aged 8 to 15 from across the country to compete in 30 sports disciplines.

The Philippine Sports Commission expects as many as 18,000 athletes and more than 1,000 officials from 188 local government units to participate.

The influx of athletes, officials and other delegates is expected to generate significant sports tourism and economic activity in Bacolod.

The event will also return to its original host city, where the inaugural Batang Pinoy was held in 1999.

During the forum, coaches and representatives of various sports organizations welcomed the administration’s support for grassroots sports.

They also backed the city’s vision of positioning Bacolod as a premier sports tourism destination.

Wrestling coach Jerry Dela Cruz described the meeting as a meaningful platform for coaches and trainers from schools, private clubs and NOPCSEA.

He said participants were able to share their concerns, insights, recommendations and experiences.

“I would personally call it the Batang Pinoy Brainstorming: Go for Gold 2026,” Dela Cruz remarked.

Also present were City Administrator Atty. Mark Steven Mayo, Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Marty Go and Atty. Rhett Demonteverde, officer-in-charge of the Bacolod City Youth Development Office.

Representatives from the City Tourism Office also attended the meeting. (Bacolod City Communications Office)