Bacolod powers through first NIR meet

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — This city emerged as the overall champion among 12 school divisions, collecting 165 gold medals in the first-ever Negros Island Regional Athletics Association Meet, or NIRAAM, which it hosted this year.

The Bacolod delegation also dominated the secondary division, earning 112 gold medals, and finished the weeklong regional competition with a total of 102 silver and 102 bronze medals across all sporting events held from March 1 to 7.

During the closing ceremony at Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan on March 6, Dr. Ramir Uytico, regional director of the Department of Education-Negros Island Region, presented the championship award to Dennis Develos, schools division superintendent of Bacolod City.

Mayor Greg Gasataya commended the athletes, emphasizing that each medal represents the perseverance and determination of young Bacolodnons.

“Behind every medal is a young Bacolodnon — covered in sweat and dust, breathing hard, legs aching — yet with eyes burning with determination, pushing beyond limits not just for victory, but for their teammates and the pride of the city,” the mayor said in a statement.

Gasataya said the victory reflects the city’s spirit of unity and support, highlighting how athletes encouraged one another throughout the competition.

“What makes this triumph even more meaningful is the spirit behind it. I witnessed teammates cheering from the sidelines, athletes lifting each other after setbacks, and the entire city rallying behind its youth,” he added.

Meanwhile, Negros Occidental finished second overall, tallying 150 gold, 152 silver and 102 bronze medals.

The province also topped the elementary division with 76 gold medals and dominated the paragames with 33 gold medals.

Negros Oriental placed second runner-up with 33 gold, 39 silver and 59 bronze medals.

Other participating school divisions and their rankings were Dumaguete City and Bayawan City, with 24 gold medals each; Kabankalan City, with 14 gold medals; Silay City, with seven gold medals; Bais City, with five gold medals; Guihulngan City, with four gold medals; Siquijor and Tanjay City, with three gold medals each; and Canlaon City, with two gold medals.

Athletes who qualified in this year’s NIRAAM will represent the region in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa, which will be held in Agusan del Sur from May 24 to 31.