CITY OF MALOLOS — This year’s All-Star Champions Basketball League (ACBL) – Makata Cup started strong with the participation of 23 out of 24 Bulacan cities and municipalities as it opened its third season at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium in this city.
Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro highlighted that the ACBL-Makata Cup aims to develop home-grown players who may eventually compete in professional leagues, citing as an example JM Bravo, who previously played with the CSJDM Rising Stars and was picked by Terrafirma Dyip to play for them in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50.
He also emphasized the Provincial Government of Bulacan’s commitment to sports as a development platform for Bulakenyo youth and athletes of all ages.
“Gusto natin dito sa Lalawigan ng Bulacan, mayroon tayong programa sa sports. Hindi lang sa basketball at iba pang mga sports dapat. Ngayon, ipagdiwang natin ang mga talento ng mga Bulakenyo sa pamamagitan ng basketball. Galingan natin lahat,” Castro said.
Likewise, Barangay Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson encouraged the players to use the league as a stepping stone in achieving their basketball dreams.
“Ito ay isa sa pinakamagandang liga na nagpo-produce ng grassroots [players] dito sa Bulacan. Ang dami ng opportunities ng mga basketball players. Mayroon tayong international league, PBA, at iba pang professional league dito sa Pilipinas,” Thompson said.
Meanwhile, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora added P50,000 cash prize for the champions in all categories, including the Junior Basketball for 25 and under, Senior Basketball for 26- to 39-year-olds, and Legends Basketball for 40 and above.
For the opening games, Sulong Calumpit secured a hard-fought victory over Gilas Paombong, finishing with a final score of 97-94 for the Juniors Basketball; CSJDM Rising Stars narrowly defeated the Marilao Gems, 73–70 for the Seniors Basketball; and Solid Bocaue emerged victorious against the City of Meycauayan with a close 72–69 win for Legends Basketball. (With a report from VERNA SANTOS)
PHOTO CAPTION:
BULACAN Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro together with (L-R) Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Casey Tyrone Howard, Barangay Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson, former Bureau of Customer Deputy Commissioner and Board Member Michael Fermin, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, Marilao Mayor Gem Sy, San Juan City Councilor Ervic Vijandre, Marilao Vice Mayor Ariel Amador, and Board Member Michael Aquino during the opening of the All-Star Champions Basketball League (ACBL) – Makata Cup Season 3 held at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium, City of Malolos, Bulacan. (Photo by ALLAN CASIPIT)
