Bacolod gears up for biggest Batang Pinoy

Bacolod City is all set to host what is shaping up to be the largest edition of the Batang Pinoy National Championships in history, following a coordination meeting between the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and city officials that outlined extensive preparations for the weeklong youth sports spectacle on 12 to 18 December.

A record 35,894 registered participants from more than 200 local government units nationwide are expected to converge in the City of Smiles, including 27,763 athletes, 6,144 coaches, and 1,987 officials competing in 30 sports disciplines.

The massive turnout underscores the growing popularity of the Philippine Sports Commission’s Batang Pinoy program, the country's premier grassroots sports competition for athletes aged eight to 15 years old, and positions Bacolod as the center of youth sports in the Philippines for one week.

PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio highlighted the role of Batang Pinoy as a foundational program in the country's sports development pathway, giving children the chance to experience national-level competition and discover their potential at an early age.

“Youth begin to dream in Batang Pinoy. Parents support their children in Batang Pinoy. That is the goal and spirit that the Philippine Sports Commission wants,” Gregorio said.

“These championships help identify future members of our national teams and provide a pathway for young Filipinos to pursue excellence in sports.”

Preparations are well underway as officials discussed logistical requirements during a coordination meeting involving the PSC workforce and the City Government of Bacolod. To accommodate the thousands of participants, the city has prepared 43 schools with a combined 30,996 bed spaces for billeting and accommodation.

Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya emphasized the significance of the event for the city's young athletes and the broader community.

"The Batang Pinoy will be a game-changer for youth sports in Bacolod. Imagine thousands of young athletes competing at the biggest grassroots event right in our city,’’ Gasataya added.

“Our children will see firsthand what dedication, discipline, and excellence look like, and that kind of exposure can spark a lifelong passion for sports.”

Security has likewise been guaranteed, with the Philippine National Police assuring organizers that comprehensive measures are in place to safeguard athletes, coaches, officials, and visitors throughout the Games.

The Panaad Stadium will serve as the main hub of competitions, while the opening ceremony, where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will be invited, coincides with the opening of the 52nd Metro Manila Film Festival, creating a festive atmosphere for one of the country's largest annual sporting events.

Among the sports, taekwondo tops the list with 3,327 registered athletes, followed by aquatics (3,042), futsal (2,009), athletics (1,803), chess (1,582), arnis (1,435), and badminton (1,300).

Gregorio also pointed to the substantial economic and tourism benefits that come with hosting a grassroots event of such magnitude.

"Sports tourism will be one of the biggest winners in Bacolod. For every young athlete who comes here, there is often a parent, guardian, or family companion traveling with them,’’ said Gregorio, also the Chairman of the National Sports Tourism-Inter Agency Committee.

“That means the number of visitors can easily double, creating opportunities for local hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, and small businesses while showcasing Bacolod to thousands of families from all over the country."

With nearly 36,000 accredited participants alone expected in the city, local officials anticipate a significant boost to the tourism and hospitality sectors.

"This is also a chance for Bacolod to shine on the national stage. We welcome this opportunity to showcase our rich culture, warm hospitality, and vibrant community while hosting one of the biggest youth sporting events in the country," Gasataya said.