Bukidnon hosts NMRAA 2026 for first time
MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON, Philippines — For the first time, Bukidnon province is able to host the Northern Mindanao Regional Athletic Association (NMRAA) meet that kicked off here on March 19.
The sporting event gathered around 10,000 delegates from 14 schools divisions across Northern Mindanao competing in events patterned after the Palarong Pambansa.
Competitions are centered at the Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex in Barangay Laguitas here.
During the March 19 opening, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri underscored the need for better sports facilities, saying athletes cannot excel without strong support from government, schools, and their families.
A former arnis athlete, he added that world-class talent deserves world-class facilities, citing the new complex as a boost to grassroots sports development not only in Bukidnon but for the rest of the region.Local officials, including Misamis Occidental Gov. Henry Oaminal, Bukidnon Gov. Rogelio Neil Roque, and Malaybalay City Mayor Waren Pabillaran, joined education leaders in welcoming delegates and highlighting Bukidnon’s readiness to host large-scale sporting events.
While most competitions are held in Malaybalay, several events are staged in nearby areas.
Basketball games are being played in Valencia City, while other matches are hosted in Quezon, Sumilao, and Kibawe towns to accommodate the large number of participants.
The meet features a wide range of sports, including ball games, racket and table sports, combat sports, and measurable events such as athletics and swimming.
Other events include sepak takraw, gymnastics, billiards, dancesport, and e-sports (Mobile Legends), along with competitions for student-athletes with disabilities under the SPED category.
Misamis Occidental took an early lead on the opening day.
