MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON — In a historic milestone for the province, Bukidnon is playing host to the Northern Mindanao Regional Athletic Association (NMRAA) meet for the first time. The event officially kicked off on March 19, 2026, centering at the newly developed Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex in Barangay Laguitas.
The regional meet has gathered approximately 10,000 delegates from 14 schools divisions across Northern Mindanao, with athletes competing in events modeled after the Palarong Pambansa.
- World-Class Facilities: Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, a former arnis athlete, emphasized during the opening ceremony that “world-class talent deserves world-class facilities.” The new sports complex is seen as a major catalyst for grassroots sports development in the region.
- Widespread Hosting: While the main hub is in Malaybalay City, several events are being hosted in neighboring areas to accommodate the volume of participants:
- Valencia City: Basketball games.
- Quezon, Sumilao, and Kibawe: Various other sporting matches.
- Diverse Sports Catalog: The competition includes traditional ball games, racket sports, combat sports, and measurable events like athletics and swimming. It also features modern additions like dancesport and e-sports (Mobile Legends), as well as a dedicated SPED category for student-athletes with disabilities.
Delegates from Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, and other divisions joined the opening parade. Early results showed Misamis Occidental taking a strong lead on the first day of competitions.
Local leaders, including Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil Roque and Malaybalay City Mayor Waren Pabillaran, highlighted the province’s readiness to manage large-scale events, showcasing Bukidnon not just as an agricultural heartland but as a rising destination for regional sports and tourism.