At least 15,000 delegates from over 20 schools divisions in Negros Island and the Province of Siquijor are expected to participate in the first-ever Negros Island Region Athletic Association (NIRAA) Meet.

The sports meet is set from March 1 to 7, 2026 in Bacolod City.

Negros Occidental High School is designated as billeting area of delegates from the Division of Negros Occidental. Lack of washrooms and toilets for over 700 student-athletes and coaches are among challenges in hosting the event.

”Chine-check talaga every classroom, every building in terms ng electricity at water,” Glester Dean Gito, facilities coordinator of Negros Occidental High School, said.

Teachers from the District of San Enrique are in-charge of the beautification and landscaping of the Provincial High School.

“There are 21 divisions in the whole of NIR. It’s very challenging,” said Ma. Teresa Asidoy, supervisor of the District of San Enrique.

Classes will shift to online and modular modes.

On February 25, a ceremonial send-off of over 900 delegates from Bacolod City was held.

Meanwhile, Police Regional Office (PRO) - NIR assured security of delegates in Bacolod City, with over 500 personnel deployed in billeting sites and sporting venues.

“[We will] ensure that the security will be in place. Sinusuportahan natin ‘tong 1^st Regional Athletic Meet dito sa ating NIR,” PRO-NIR Director Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay said.