MEMBERS of the Philippine uniformed services and the United States Armed Forces joined Zambaleños for a friendly basketball tournament called Ligang Bayanihan on March 8 at the Sports Complex of Barangay Dolores, Cabangan, Zambales.
The Ligang Bayanihan, organized by the 1st Civil Relations Group, Civil-Military Operations Command, AFP, is a security engagement paired with sports, aimed at building awareness of the ongoing Philippine-US partnership in ensuring security and development. It highlighted the ironclad alliance between the PH and US – stronger together, on and off the court.
The game consisted of four teams named after PH-US military exercises: Balikatan Braves, Sama Sama Sharks, Salaknib Strikers, and Kamandag Cobras, with members from the uniformed services, US Forces, and Zambaleños, promoting camaraderie and teamwork.
Cabangan, Zambales Mayor Ronaldo F. Apostol, who led the event, expressed his support, stating that Ligang Bayanihan is not just a game, but something bigger – a celebration of the true spirit of Bayanihan between the Philippines and the United States.
Information education campaign on the West Philippine Sea was also incorporated during the event to promote awareness of maritime rights and sovereignty. Also, the 69th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, presented the objectives of the annual bilateral exercise Balikatan.
Mr. Rolex Estella, head of PDRRMO Zambales, representing Governor Hermogenes Ebdane, assured the support of the provincial government of Zambales for activities such as the Ligang Bayanihan and Balikatan exercise.
The game concluded with the awarding of the trophy, with the Kamandag Cobras as the winner.
The Ligang Bayanihan is on its second series, after being successfully piloted in Sta. Ana, Cagayan, and will move next to Pampanga. (UnliNews Online)
