NEWS
12April
BARMMAA 2026 opens with grand parade; competitions begin Monday
- Apr 12, 2026
- Muhammad Musa
- HITS: 654
The event, held at Parang Central Elementary School, featured a colorful Parade of Athletes involving delegations from the region’s 10 Schools Division Offices (SDOs). Organizers estimated the total number of delegates — including athletes, coaches, officials, and education leaders — at around 7,000.
The annual meet was organized by the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) under Minister Mohagher Iqbal.
BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua attended the opening program, along with other officials including MBHTE Director-General for Basic Education Abdullah Salik Jr.
Special awards were presented during the parade for categories such as Best in Uniform, Best in Salute, Best Delegation, and Most Friendly Delegation. The parade started in the afternoon and extended into the evening.
Competition Schedule and Prizes
Actual sports competitions began on Monday, April 13, and are scheduled to run until April 17. Winners will share a total cash prize fund of P1 million provided by the MBHTE, in addition to trophies and medals. Top-performing athletes are set to represent the BARMM in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa.
Athletes are competing in various events, including archery, arnis, athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, boxing, chess, billiards, football, futsal, para-games, pencak silat, sepak takraw, softball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, volleyball, wrestling, and wushu.
Logistics Concerns
Prior to and during the early stages of the event, some delegations raised concerns about billeting conditions in Parang, citing issues such as limited water supply and hot weather affecting rest and preparation. BARMM officials, including Chief Minister Macacua and Education Minister Iqbal, coordinated with the host local government unit and assured delegates that measures were being taken to address the concerns and improve accommodations.
The BARMM comprises the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and Tawi-Tawi, along with the cities of Cotabato, Lamitan, and Marawi, and the Special Geographic Area (SGA) consisting of eight municipalities from North Cotabato.
This year’s meet carries the theme “Stronger Together through Sports,” aiming to promote unity, discipline, and youth development in the region.
Time in Cotabato
Most Read
