Manila: The 865-strong delegation of the Negros Island Region (NIR) is seeing action as the newest contingent in the 66th Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur from May 24 to 31. This marks the first time the NIR, consisting of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, and Bacolod City, is competing under the banner of the Visayan Vipers in the Department of Education (DepEd)-led national multi-sport event. The region was formed through Republic Act 12000 in 2024.
According to Philippines News Agency, on Wednesday, the majority of the Bacolod City delegation made their way to Agusan del Sur, traveling via Cagayan de Oro City, following an earlier departure of their volleyball, softball, athletics, and paragames teams. Figures from the DepEd-NIR indicate that out of the 865 delegates, 626 are athletes participating in the elementary, secondary, and paragames divisions, with the remaining individuals serving as coaches, assistant coaches, chaperones, and trainers.
In an interview, Bacolod City Schools Division Superintendent Dennis Develos highlighted that more than 30 percent of the NIR athletes hail from this highly urbanized city. The contingent includes 188 athletes in the elementary and secondary divisions and 14 in the paragames. Develos expressed optimism about the team's performance, particularly in team sports, stating, "In team sports, my projection based on the previous records we had, softball is ours. Volleyball girls is very competitive, NIR is represented by Bacolod Tay Tung High School. Most likely, we can have a lot of gold medals."
Meanwhile, the DepEd-NIR addressed a delay experienced by 413 Palarong Pambansa delegates at Cebu Pier 1 due to a shipping line system glitch and overbooking. Most of these delegates have already arrived in Agusan del Sur as of Tuesday. The group included 308 delegates, comprising 279 athletes and coaches, along with 29 technical working group (TWG) members. The remaining 105 delegates, which include 74 athletes and coaches and 31 TWG members, have been prioritized for departure on Wednesday night.
The DepEd-NIR reassured all stakeholders through a statement, emphasizing that "the safety, comfort, and morale of our entire delegation remain our top priority."
