Officials Gather for 3-Day Refresher Course Ahead of National PRISAA Games 2026

BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL — To ensure the highest standards of officiating and technical execution, tournament directors, assistant tournament directors, technical officials, technical support personnel, and coaches convened for a three-day Refresher Course in preparation for the National Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) Games 2026. The opening program took place at the STI West Negros University (STIWNU) Gymnasium today, May 6.

Setting the Standard for Excellence

In his welcome address, Dr. Ryan Mark S. Molina, National President of the PRISAA Sports Foundation, Inc. and President of the PRISAA Negros Island Region (NIR), highlighted the critical importance of preparation, coordination, and unity among all working officials to guarantee the overall success of the upcoming national games.

Following the address, PRISAA National Executive Director Elbert C. Atilano Sr. formally introduced the members of the National Board, regional presidents, national officers, and the distinguished roster of tournament directors, assistant directors, and lecturers.

Championing Grassroots Sports

The session proper featured insightful discussions from key figures in Philippine sports:

• Edward L. Hayco (Commissioner of the Philippine Sports Commission and Commissioner-in-Charge of the National Grassroots Sports Initiative Program) served as the first guest speaker. He presented a comprehensive overview of the grassroots program and discussed the vital roles of PRISAA, DepEd, DILG, NSA, and the PSC in fostering school-based and grassroots sports development nationwide.
• Elbert C. Atilano Sr. followed as the second speaker, delivering an overview of the Philippine sports landscape. He tackled the collaborative partnership between PSC, PRISAA, DepEd, SCUAA, and LGUs in building and sustaining developmental sports programs, encouraging unified efforts for the future of Filipino athletes.

Sport-Specific Breakout Sessions

As the training progressed, the officials, coaches, and officiating personnel transitioned to their assigned breakout venues to conduct thorough reviews of the mechanics for each specific sport. These focused sessions covered technical rules, discipline in facilities, equipment standards, and official game protocols to ensure a fair and highly competitive environment for the athletes.

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