CEBU, Philippines — It’s all systems go for the Central Visayeg leg of the inaugural Batang Pilipino Basketball League (BPBL) season next month.
This was made known during an organizational meeting spearheaded by BPBL co-founder Ron Camara, who is also the league commissioner, together with regional coordinator Van Halen Parmis and his deputy John Dave Casas last Friday night at Cebu Business Hotel.
Others present were the different coordinators of the six areas comprising Cebu Province.
They are Julius Caballero (South A), Lorberto Enriquez (South B), Ruben Patotoy (North A and B), Jun Migallen (Northwest A), Fred Anthony Tan (Northwest B), and Jerry Abuyabor (Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu and Cebu City).
They are joined by coach Arnel Salado who is in charge of the women’s division.
BPBL is a nationwide grassroots initiative for engaging and mentoring Filipino kids in the sport of basketball. It is open to 18-under ballers.
“We are here to provide the aspiring ballers especially the out-of-school youth across the country an opportunity to showcase their skills on the national level,” said Camara. “We want to develop and nurture their talents and help them make it big someday.”
Parmis, for his part, said the BPBL aims to give the youth a sustainable grassroots program anchored on its long-term goal.
“I always believe that a genuine grassroots program is an effective way to scout for potentials in the countryside. I know that there are a lot of talents out there in the provinces that just need to be tapped and this is our mission,” said Parmis.
“Considering that there’s no Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy for now, this is the most opportune time for all young players nationwide to show what they’ve got and be known,” Parmis added.
For the BPBL, the contenders in Central Visayas will pass through a rigorous elimination stage, from the division level starting on July 30 up to the regional finals this September at the Sisters of Mary School (SMS)-Girlstown in Talisay City.
The regional champion will then enjoy an all-expense paid trip to Manila for the National Championships in December.
Not only that, a whopping P300,000 cash prize is also at stake for the national champion. The second to fourth placers will pocket P200,000, P100,000 and P50,000, respectively.