NIR debuts in Palarong Pambansa 2026

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Negros Island Region marked its historic debut in this year’s Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur, bringing around 956 delegates to represent Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

Clad in green jackets, Dr. Ramir Uytico, director of the Department of Education-NIR, and Anthony Hilagos Liobet, officer-in-charge assistant regional director, led the delegation called the “Visayan Vipers” during the opening ceremonies on Sunday.

The delegation’s saludo performance was animated on the field by Kharl Riolo, with Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, Mayor Benjie Miranda and his wife, Vice Mayor Divina Gracia Miranda, also present.

Designed by Krisha Paltuob Gajo and Marvencent Bangoy of the Schools Division Office-Kabankalan City and brought to life by the creative hands of the SDO Bacolod City production team — Wilmer Tumbali, Rosanna Villanueva, Aljon Villarin, Hibni Garcia, Wilma Mapusa and Winnie Idiosolo — the Visayan Viper mascot was conceptualized from the native Philippine pit viper, or Trimeresurus flavomaculatus.

According to DepEd-NIR, the mascot unifies the region’s distinct landscapes, weaving together the “Green Strength” of Negros Occidental’s lush forests, the “Rugged Endurance” of Negros Oriental’s mountain peaks, and the “Mystical Precision” of Siquijor’s shores into one unstoppable force.

It stands as a reminder that the Visayan Vipers do not just compete, they dominate.

From the mountains to the sea, the team strikes for victory with a shared creed: Victorious in spirit, Integrated in purpose, Precise in action, Enduring in hardship, Resilient in defeat, and Swift in victory.

The region secured its first gold medal in this year’s sporting event through Marjen Iwayan, who triumphed in the elementary girls’ javelin throw at the D.O. Plaza Government Center Sports Complex on Monday.

Representing the Schools Division Office of Sagay City, Negros Occidental, Iwayan delivered a standout performance to top the field and give the Visayan Vipers their breakthrough victory in the national meet.

Coached by Renan Perdon and Norven Ledesma, Iwayan’s gold medal marked an early achievement for DepEd-NIR, boosting team morale as competitions continued, with hopes of adding more podium finishes in the coming events.

Christine Rose Toquero also clinched the gold medal in the secondary girls’ javelin throw, representing Escalante National High School of SDO Escalante City, Negros Occidental.

She delivered a remarkable performance that highlighted her strength, focus and determination.

The Visayan Vipers also delivered a commanding performance against Bicol in the secondary girls’ volleyball competition, sealing a convincing 2-0 straight-set victory.

Powering the victory was the talented lineup from Bacolod Tay Tung High School Inc., whose relentless energy and court dominance ignited the morning crowd.

Before their arrival in Agusan del Sur, some delegates experienced delays in their transport in Cebu due to a shipping line system glitch and overbooking.

Through coordination with port and shipping management, the delegates safely departed after non-DepEd passengers voluntarily gave up their accommodations for the student-athletes.

The remaining delegates at the time were safely accommodated, provided meals and prioritized for departure on the next available schedule.

The delegation from Bacolod City departed for Bayugan City, traveling through a route that passed Cagayan de Oro City.

DepEd-NIR assured stakeholders that the safety, comfort and morale of the entire delegation remain its top priorities.

Upon arrival in Agusan del Sur, the delegation received a vibrant and heartfelt welcome.

They proceeded to Agusan del Sur College Inc., where school officials and local organizers prepared festive reception activities for them.

“We are rooting and praying for each and everyone of you, our dear athletes,” Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya said.

Athletes from Bacolod City make up more than 30% of the NIR delegation, or 286 members.

The sporting event will conclude Sunday, May 31.

Before the reactivation of NIR, Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, was part of Western Visayas, while Siquijor and Negros Oriental were part of Central Visayas in last year’s Palarong Pambansa.