The Iloilo Division led in the middle tally with 11 gold medals at the start of the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet 2026.

Formal games started on March 17, 2026.

A close second to Iloilo Division is the Division of Iloilo City with nine gold medals, as of March 18.

One of those competing in the games is 16-year-old Nuche Veronica Ibit from Aklan.

She made history by breaking the record in the 50M butterfly in the secondary girls division in the last Palarong Pambansa. She raked in four gold medals at that time.

She acknowledges the pressure that comes along with her accomplishment on the national stage.

“Syempre, record ko po may konting pressure pero matuto naman tayo na i-enjoy yung process kasi iniisip natin na nag-training naman tayo ng mabuti and seek natin ‘yung guidance ni Lord,” she says.

The first day of the swim competition was held at Central Philippine University in Iloilo City.

During the opening of the meet in Passi City, Mayor Stephen Palmares said the city targets to host the Palarong Pambansa in 2028.

“So, pagkatapos ng WVRAA meet, hindi pa diyan nagtatapos. Umpisa pa lang iyan ng paglatag ng lahat ng facilities at isusunod na ang swimming pool,” the mayor said.

Meanwhile, the Passi City Health Office has opened an investigation into an incident involving 77 athletes and coaches from the Division of Capiz who experienced stomachache.

“Sumasakit ang tiyan, nag-LBM, but wala silang fever and vomiting. Everyone is stable. Ang ating kinu-consider, ang pagkain, ang tubig at hygiene ng ating delegates,” said Dr. Phoebe Palomo, head of the Passi City Health Office.