Governor’s Cup basketball tournament kicks off Munato Festival 2022

 

ALABEL, Sarangani (November 05, 2022) – Governor Rogelio “Ruel” D. Pacquiao declared on November 4 the opening of Munato 2022 Governor’s Cup with an inter-municipality basketball tournament at the Capitol Gymnasium.

Governor Pacquiao, the honorary chairman of the Governor’s Cup, said the tournament was held “not just to promote sports in the province but also to strengthen our relationship and camaraderie” between and among partners from the municipalities.

Eight teams are participating in the tournament with seven teams from the municipal local government units of Maitum, Kiamba, Maasim, Glan, Malapatan, Alabel, and Malungon, and one team from the PLGU Sarangani.

Teams consist mostly of players who are elected officials from the provincial, municipal, barangay, and Sangguniang Kabataan levels.

“We are so lucky and so grateful we have officials here in Sarangani that are sports-minded,” Vice Governor Elmer de Peralta said as he recognized the participation of the officials.

The vice governor also highlighted the significance of doing and promoting sports in the province.

“Sports cuts across everything as it extends beyond the playing field. It has benefits for our health, academic achievement, and promote economic stability,” said De Peralta, who is a physician.

Recently, the Capitol Gymnasium was flocked with crowd as the 2022 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Games were held on September 9 which contributed to the promotion of the tourism industry of the province.

Governor Pacquiao also encouraged the players to value “the virtues of discipline and sportsmanship” and have a fair and healthy game all throughout the tournament.

Three games were played during the opening program with PLGU Sarangani versus LGU Maasim kicking off the tournament, followed by LGU Kiamba against LGU Maitum, and LGU Alabel playing against LGU Malungon.

Governor Pacquiao not only attended the tournament as honorary chairman but also participated as one of the players of team PLGU Sarangani, along with Sangguniang Panlalawigan members Joseph Calanao, who is also the tournament chairman, Ephraim Galzote, Gwynn Singcoy, and Rheymar Dian.

Congressman Steve Chiongbian Solon, represented by his Chief of Staff Engr. Gerald Faciol, also graced the tournament.

At the end of the first game, PLGU Sarangani snatched victory over LGU Maasim with a final score of 91-78. (Jori Mae R. Samillano & photos by Martin Fernando Bernad Jr./SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

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