11/02/2026
The 13-hectare Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex is undergoing final preparations ahead of the NMRAA Regional Meet 2026, scheduled to take place in March.
Located along Sayre Highway in Barangay Laguitas, the complex is envisioned as an integrated sports and cultural hub capable of hosting multiple competitions simultaneously. Preparations are being undertaken through a coordinated effort led by the Provincial Government of Bukidnon, with support from all local government units (LGUs) across the province through their mandated contributions from the Special Education Fund (SEF). The Provincial Government has allocated the bulk of the funding required for the regional meet.
The Malaybalay City, as host city, plays a key role in venue readiness and on-ground coordination. Mayor Warren Pabillaran recently confirmed that the complexβs aquatic facilities are now operational, with the swimming pool supplied with water through the Malaybalay City Water Systemβpart of the cityβs contribution to ensuring the venue meets regional competition standards.
At the center of the complex is a 15,000-seat main stadium featuring an eight-lane rubberized athletics oval and a 6,160-square-meter regulation football field, designed to accommodate track and field events, football matches, and major ceremonies.
The complex also houses an Olympic-size aquatic facility, composed of a 10-lane, 50-meter by 25-meter competition pool and a separate diving pool, designed to accommodate swimming and diving events at the regional level.
Indoor sports will be hosted at the 3,000-seat multi-purpose gymnasium, which can accommodate basketball, badminton, and martial arts competitions. Additional outdoor facilities include open field venues with an estimated seating capacity of 800 and tennis courts accommodating approximately 640 spectators, suitable for training sessions, warm-up activities, and secondary events.
Athlete dormitories and expansive parking areas are also in place to support participants, officials, and spectators throughout the multi-day competition.
Beyond the NMRAA, the complex has been designated as a national training venue. In November, the Philippine Sports Commission, led by Chairperson Patrick Gregorio, and the Provincial Government of Bukidnon signed a memorandum of agreement naming the complex as the premier training ground for elite Filipino boxers in Mindanao. The signing was witnessed by Governor Rogelio Neil Roque and Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, who's also a key proponent of the initiative.
The Bukidnon Sports and Cultural Complex is also envisioned as a space for cultural and community activities, with planned developments including an auditorium for large gatherings and a museum highlighting Bukidnonβs cultural heritage.
Officials emphasized that the ongoing development of the complex reflects strong collaboration among national, provincial, and local government unitsβpositioning Bukidnon not only as a capable host for the NMRAA Regional Meet, but also for future regional and national sporting events.
