Passi city: Western Visayas athletes will undergo intensive training in preparation for the 2026 Palarong Pambansa following the successful staging of the Western Visayas Regional Athletics Association (WVRAA) meet that culminated in Passi City on Sunday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Department of Education in Western Visayas (DepEd-6) information officer Hernani Escullar Jr. stated in a phone interview that the region aims to maintain, if not improve, its third rank during the 2025 Palaro. While specific plans for the intensive training are yet to be finalized, Escullar mentioned that discussions and planning are underway. Passi City Mayor Stephen Palmares has offered the city's sports facilities to serve as a venue for the training sessions.
The 2026 Palaro, scheduled in Agusan del Sur in May, marks the first time Western Visayas will compete without Negros Occidental, which will now join the Negros Island Region contingent. Despite this change, Escullar highlighted that most of the medals in previous competitions were won by athletes from Panay and Guimaras. He expressed confidence in the region's athletes, emphasizing their readiness and strength.
Western Visayas is set to defend its titles in several sports categories, including Pencak Silat secondary girls, Sepak Takraw secondary boys and girls (double), table tennis secondary girls (double), Taekwondo/Kyorugi secondary girls, and arnis (individual likha espada) elementary boys. Among the standout athletes is Nuchi Veronica Ibit from Aklan, who will defend her title in the 100-meter freestyle swimming event.
The 2026 WVRAA concluded with the Schools Division of Iloilo clinching the championship crown for both regular sports and paragames in elementary and secondary categories, with a total of 207 gold, 136 silver, and 93 bronze medals. The Schools Division of Iloilo City secured the first runner-up position with 107 gold, 87 silver, and 94 bronze medals, while the Schools Division of Aklan claimed the second runner-up spot with 51 gold, 65 silver, and 116 bronze medals.
