All news tagged BatangPinoy2026

“Bacolod City is ready... the City of Smiles is ready to shine!” declared Mayor Greg Gasataya as preparations intensify for one of the country's biggest youth sporting competitions.

The City of Smiles is preparing to become the center of Philippine grassroots sports as more than 200 local government units gear up for the 2026 Batang Pinoy National Championships, with the grand opening set for December 12.

Thousands of promising young athletes from cities and municipalities across the country are expected to compete for medals, pride, and the opportunity to showcase their talents on the national stage.

The Bacolod City government is working closely with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to ensure the successful staging of the national championships.

Preparations include finalizing athlete accommodations, transportation arrangements, competition equipment, venues, and event programs to provide participating delegations with a safe and organized sporting experience.

With more than 200 LGUs confirming participation, the competition is expected to bring together some of the country's most promising young athletes.

Adding excitement to the opening festivities, the December 12 celebration will coincide with the Parade of Stars, bringing Metro Manila Film Festival entertainment to Bacolod.

The combination of sports and entertainment is expected to create a festive atmosphere for athletes, officials, residents, and visitors.

Beyond the competition, Batang Pinoy serves as an important platform for identifying and developing young sporting talents who could eventually represent the Philippines in international competitions.

For many participants, the national championships could become their first major step toward competing in the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, and even the Olympics.

More than winning medals, Batang Pinoy is about discovering potential, developing discipline, and inspiring young Filipinos to pursue sporting excellence.

As the countdown begins, Bacolod City is preparing to welcome the country's rising stars and celebrate the future of Philippine sports.

ONE NATION. OVER 200 LGUs. THOUSANDS OF YOUNG DREAMS. ONE BIG STAGE!

BATANG PINOY 2026 — THE ROAD TO GREATNESS BEGINS IN BACOLOD! 

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has officially announced that Bacolod City will host the 2026 Batang Pinoy, marking the return of the national youth games to the Visayas after more than a decade.

The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batang Pinoy in General Santos City, where PSC Chairman Pato Gregorio confirmed Bacolod’s hosting. This will be Bacolod’s fourth time to stage the event, following previous editions in 1999, 2001, and 2014.

During the turnover rites, GenSan Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao passed the Batang Pinoy banner to Atty. Jose Marty Go, who represented Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya.

“It is just fitting for Bacolod to host the Batang Pinoy after several years, being among the pioneers of this grassroots sports program,” said Gregorio.

Nearly 20,000 young athletes participated in 27 sporting events in the 2025 edition held from October 25 to 31 in General Santos City.

Gregorio highlighted the importance of Batang Pinoy as a cornerstone of grassroots sports development, noting that several of the country’s top athletes — including Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and world champion gymnast Carlos Yulo — once competed in the tournament.

The upcoming Bacolod hosting in 2026 signifies another milestone for the PSC’s efforts to develop and discover young Filipino athletes from all over the country.