‘WHERE CHAMPIONS RISE’: Passi City marks milestone with WVRAA 2026

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By Mariela Angella Oladive

For the first time, Passi City, the emerging city in the heart of Panay, hosts the 2026 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet, drawing nearly 7,000 delegates from across the region.

From March 17 to 22, young athletes, coaches, and officials come together in a celebration that extends beyond competition and showcases stories of grit, dreams, and regional pride.

The weeklong event officially started on March 17 at the Ricardo P. Palmares Sr. Memorial Sports Complex, welcoming delegations from eight Schools Division Offices: Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo province, Iloilo City, Passi City, and Roxas City.

This year’s event shows a change in the regional sports scene, as Negros Occidental will not participate anymore after the formation of the Negros Island Region under Republic Act No. 12000.

WVRAA 2026 signifies a milestone for Passi City as an emerging hub for sports development in Western Visayas.

Upgrades to the city’s sports infrastructure allowed it to host the regional meet, highlighted by a 400-meter rubberized track oval—the first of its kind outside Iloilo City.

Most competitions take place at the Ricardo P. Palmares Sr. Memorial Sports Complex, with certain events held at other venues because of facility needs.

Swimming events are hosted at the Iloilo Sports Complex, while football matches are played in Barotac Nuevo, recognized as the football capital of the Philippines.

The elementary division includes 16 sporting events, such as girls’ futsal.

The secondary division hosts 25 events, including girls’ soccer and weightlifting for boys and girls.

Officials attending the opening ceremony included Philippine Sports Commission Chair Patrick C. Gregorio, Department of Agrarian Reform Undersecretary Jesry Palmares, Department of Education Undersecretary Peter Irving Corvera, and DepEd Region VI Director Cristito Eco.

Local leaders joined them, including Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., Guimaras Gov. Lucille Nava, Roxas City Mayor Ronnie Dadivas, and Iloilo City Executive Assistant Jay Treñas.

In his message, Passi City Mayor Stephen Palmares reflected on his journey as a former athlete and the city’s vision.

“During my time, I competed in the provincial meet three times but never advanced to the regional level. I told myself, if I cannot reach the regional meet, then we will bring the regional meet to Passi City,” he said.

He emphasized that hosting WVRAA is a long-term investment in the youth.

“I do not consider it as an expense, especially in sports. I consider it as an investment for these children and future athletes. In sports, you never lose,” Palmares added.

The city government invested in upgrading and expanding sports facilities to host the competition and establish Passi City as a venue for future large-scale events.

Held under the theme ‘Stronger Champions, Greater Heights,” this year’s meet emphasizes Western Visayas’ dedication to nurturing young athletes and fostering unity among provinces and cities.

The official WVRAA 2026 logo reflects both identity and aspiration.

A torch made from the intertwined letters “V” and “W” represents Western Visayas and the lasting spirit of sportsmanship.

The “lambong” design, inspired by the Pintados de Pasi Festival, features cultural patterns that highlight the event’s connection to local heritage.

Each color represents the participating divisions, embodying unity in diversity.