• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod city government is preparing to issue temporary special permits to short-term accommodation providers to help house over 20,000 delegates expected for the Batang Pinoy 2026, from Dec. 12 to 18.
City administrator, Atty. Mark Steven Mayo, announced the plan during a stakeholders’ meeting with over 200 accommodation providers, where the city’s accreditation and preparation strategy were presented.
“Mayor Greg Gasataya explores the (idea of issuing) a special permit for these establishments, subject to conditions, just like what we do with the vendors. There are conditions like sanitation inspection, security, and safety protocols,” Mayo said.
The city expects at least 25,000 visitors, including student-athletes, official delegates, and accompanying families, to arrive in Bacolod for the week-long national sports event.
The proposed special permit directly addresses concerns raised by condo owners and short-term rental hosts, who currently operate without a mayor’s permit due to the intermittent nature of their business.
Mayo said hotels and commercial lodging facilities accredited by the Department of Tourism will remain the priority for official delegation placements.
He added that the temporary permits will enable visiting LGUs to officially book these residential units and provide them with the required documentation to account for the liquidation of expenses, while the city government regulates the accommodation providers. | TMD
