DepEd-NIR enforces heat safety measures as NIRAAM 2026 kicks off

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — As the heat index across the Negros Island Region surged to 40 degrees Celsius on Monday, the Department of Education-NIR (DepEd-NIR) implemented comprehensive safety measures to protect students, athletes and technical personnel participating in the first Negros Island Regional Athletic Association Meet (NIRAAM) hosted by the city government here this year.

NIRAAM 2026 officially kicked off on Sunday at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan here.

More than 10,000 delegates and visitors were welcomed by the host city for the inaugural regional sporting event.

While no major injuries or serious welfare concerns were reported, the Philippine Red Cross Negros Occidental-Bacolod City Chapter provided immediate medical assistance to 25 individuals who experienced minor health concerns, including hyperventilation.

Almyr Caezar Dequiña, spokesperson of DepEd-NIR, said in a media interview on Monday that advisories were issued to inform coaches and athletes about the heat index, enabling them to implement proper safeguards.

“We always prioritize the safety of the athletes,” he added.

He said medical teams continuously assess heat conditions and advise tournament directors, who are tasked with determining whether it is safe to continue games or make necessary adjustments.

Outdoor events are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat. As part of precautionary measures, tournament directors were instructed to begin games earlier in the morning when possible, suspend activities by 10 a.m. and resume at 2 p.m.

Authorities may also postpone games upon the recommendation of the medical team. A structured scheme is in place to address similar situations moving forward.

In its health advisory, organizers directed all athletes, coaches, delegation officials, technical officials and event organizers to strictly observe heat safety precautions.

At that heat index level, prolonged sun exposure and intense physical activity may lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Athletes were reminded to hydrate consistently before, during and after events; proceed immediately to shaded or cooling areas after competition; avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and listen to their bodies and immediately report symptoms such as dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, nausea, unusual fatigue or rapid heartbeat.

“Performance must never come at the expense of health,” the advisory emphasized.

Dequiña expressed gratitude to the medical teams who promptly attended to those affected during the opening ceremony.

For coaches and delegation officials, the agency reminded them to strictly enforce hydration protocols, closely monitor athletes for early signs of heat-related illness, avoid overexertion during peak heat hours and coordinate immediately with the medical team if symptoms are observed.

Organizers underscored the importance of balancing competitive excellence with discipline and responsibility.

Dr. Ramir Uytico, DepEd-NIR director, said they also value the wellness of the athletes to ensure their positive outlook during and after the competitions. A wellness space was set up in 12 billeting venues with guidance counselors to assist them in their well-being and character development.

Uytico said the delegations included 989 from Negros Oriental, 925 from Bayawan City, 902 from Bacolod City, 850 each from Negros Occidental and Dumaguete City, 792 from Silay City, 698 from Kabankalan City, 663 from Siquijor, 600 from Canlaon City, 500 from Tanjay City, 458 from Guihulngan City and 421 from Bais City, totaling 8,648.

Uytico highlighted the enthusiasm of Canlaon City to join the regional sports event amid Kanlaon Volcano’s heightened seismic activity recently.

“We saw that no disaster or eventuality would prevent them to develop their learners,” he said in a media interview.

In his welcome message, Mayor Greg Gasataya highlighted the efforts and preparations of the student-athletes for NIRAAM.

“This is now your time. This is now your opportunity — make the most of NIRAAM 2026 because you will be representing NIR in Palarong Pambansa,” he said.

Gasataya stressed the importance of providing continued support for the young athletes. “We believed that the next Olympian is from the Negros Island Region, especially Bacolod City,” the mayor said, encouraging learner-athletes to give their best.

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson echoed the mayor’s sentiments, reminding athletes that the meet serves as a crucial opportunity to prove themselves and earn a spot to represent the region in the Palarong Pambansa.

Education Undersecretary for Senior Personnel Oversight Peter Irving Corvera, who was the keynote speaker during the opening ceremony, emphasized the value of athletics in youth development.

“Sports keep our youth disciplined and resilient. You have earned your place here, it was not by accident,” Corvera said.

Corvera noted the challenges facing young athletes especially from provinces, citing a lack of facilities and gear.

He stressed DepEd’s commitment to ensuring the continuity of sports programs for students, making them disciplined, confident and resilient.

“Sports is no longer treated as extra. It is essential because we believe that a strong nation is filled by strong, disciplined and confident young people,” he said.

He encouraged the young athletes to continue their sports journey and never give up on their dreams.

“This is not just about being a champion in the arena, but also winning in life,” he said.

“Winning is not about competing with others but about conquering yourselves,” he added.

Delegates from the 12 participating schools divisions performed during their entrance. The celebration was capped by a spectacular fireworks display.

Local government officials across the Negros Island Region also joined the opening ceremony.

The weeklong regional sports competition features 27 sporting events and runs until March 7, highlighting athletic excellence, camaraderie and the shared aspirations of the region.