Bacolod City, March 7 -- Student-athletes who experienced challenges brought by the eruption of Mount Kanlaon and the onslaught of Typhoon Tino displayed indomitable spirit in the 2026 Negros Island Regional Athletic Association Meet (NIRAAM), the first for the country's newest administration region, formed only two years ago.

Hosted by this highly urbanized city, but also with playing venues in the neighboring cities of Talisay, Silay, Bago, and Victorias, the regional games drew 5,413 athletes and 1,232 coaches and chaperones from 12 school divisions under the Department of Education - Negros Island Region (DepEd-NIR).

"After all the efforts, hard work, determination, we have finally chosen our Visayan Vipers who will soon put up a g...