Bacolod city: The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has formalized its partnership with this highly urbanized city for the staging of the Batang Pinoy 2026 from Dec. 12 to 18. Mayor Greg Gasataya and PSC Chairperson Patrick Gregorio signed a memorandum of agreement in a ceremony witnessed by Commissioners Olivia Co and Edward Hayco, and Vice Mayor Claudio Jesus Puentevella at the main lobby of the Government Center here Saturday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Gregorio highlighted the significance of this year's Batang Pinoy for Bacolod, which hosted the first edition 26 years ago during the tenure of then sports commissioner Monico Puentevella, also a former congressman and mayor of Bacolod. "It is only fitting that after 25 years, it is back here in Bacolod. It is good to strengthen the collaboration between the PSC and the city," he added.
Gregorio also noted that Bacolod's move to position itself as a sports tourism destination aligns well with strategic goals. He emphasized that Bacolod's combination of sports and tourism is highly beneficial, citing a study that shows for every peso spent on sports and tourism, PHP15 is earned in return.
He further mentioned the changes in the athletes' age group for the Batang Pinoy 2026, now set for 8 to 15 years old, which could attract about 15,000 delegates. Considering that athletes as young as 8 cannot travel alone, this could potentially triple the number of arrivals to 45,000, when family members accompany them. "You can just imagine the economic benefits that sports can bring to your destination. Don't let go of this opportunity," Gregorio said.
Mayor Gasataya expressed gratitude to the PSC for once again choosing Bacolod as the host for Batang Pinoy. "The only thing we wanted to happen is for Bacolod City to produce the next Olympian. That is why we are giving our full commitment and doing everything we can to support our athletes," he stated. Bacolod will host the Batang Pinoy for the fourth time, having previously hosted the inaugural games in 1999, as well as in 2001 and 2013.
