By REYNALD MAGALLON
GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Batang Pinoy is going back to where it all began and it will surely be greeted by a warm welcome and big smile for its 2026 edition.
That, after the Philippine Sports Commission has formally announced Bacolod City – the home of the famous chicken inasal and Masskara Festival – as the next host of the premiere grassroots program.
Interestingly, Bacolod City was where the very first Batang Pinoy was held back in 1999.
General Santos City has formally turned over the hosting to Bacolod City during the closing ceremony of the colorful and festive 2025 Batang Pinoy at the Antonio Acharon Sports Complex on Thursday, Oct. 30 here.
“It is just fitting for Bacolod to host the 26th Batang Pinoy after several years, being among the pioneers of this grassroots sports program,” said PSC chairman Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio.
Bacolod City mayor Greg Gasataya through a video message warmly welcomed the return of Batang Pinoy to their city – an event that they have not hosted since 2014.
“We are all very excited, we are thankful because Batang Pinoy ang dami na pong mga olympians na na-produce, the likes of Hidilyn Diaz, the likes of Caloy Yulo and I am quite sure a lot more ang mapo-produce po ng Batang Pinoy,” siad Gasataya.
General Santos City mayor Lorelie Pacquiao, on the other hand, expressed elation with the successful hosting of Batang Pinoy.
“Masaya po kami dahil napatunyaan namin at naipakita namin sa aming mga bisita na kayo ay parang pamilya na naming lahat. Sana po kung saan man kayo dalhin na next na mga events ninyo huwag n’yo pong kalimutan na naging bahagi din po ang General Santos City,” he added.
