Bacolod city: The city government is providing PHP17.4 million in financial assistance for its 286-strong delegation to the 2026 Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur on May 24 to 31.

According to Philippines News Agency, in a ceremony on Friday, Mayor Greg Gasataya signed a memorandum of agreement with Department of Education (DepEd) City Schools Division Superintendent Dennis Develos to formalize the city's support. Gasataya emphasized the city's commitment to investing in the future of its youth and aspirations to produce an Olympian by starting with grassroots support.

The delegation consists of 188 athletes who will compete in events such as athletics, volleyball, softball, and paragames. They will be accompanied by 35 coaches, 11 assistant coaches, 16 chaperones, and 36 trainers. The financial assistance will cover transportation, accommodation, and uniforms for the delegation.

Athletes, coaches, assistant coaches, chaperones, and trainers will receive allowances of PHP4,000 for playing, PHP6,000 for food, and PHP9,000 for training. Develos expressed readiness for the event, noting the preparations undertaken.

The first batch of the delegation, including the volleyball and athletics teams, will depart on May 16. The second batch, comprising the softball and paragames teams, will leave on May 18, with the remaining athletes and DepEd officials traveling on May 20.