QUEZON is dead serious in transforming the province into a viable tourist destination and an epicenter of sporting power in Southern Luzon.
That, in a nutshell, is the plan as Quezon Province Gov. Dr. Helen Tan announced during a media conference on Monday that the province is forming a team that will be joining the coming second Season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA)—a semi-professional community-based home-and-away tournament.
Nicknamee ‘The Quezon Tangerines’, the team owned by Quezon Province 4th District Rep. Mike Tan and team manager Atty. Donn Ron Kapunan comprises the core of NCAA three-peat champion St. Benilde College, led by Most Valuable Player Mycah Go and Jessa Dorog.
Jerry Yee is head coach.
As per tournament regulations, the team must include eight homegrown players and those who were selected through a series of tryouts are Lenie Sapallo, Jasmine Dapal, Christine Joy Lubiano, Louann Latigay, and Jillian Nicole Quiambao from Lucena City; Paola Alban from Lucban, Kamille Josephine Amaka Tan from Tayabas, and Geraldine Rae Palacio from Pagbilao.
“After basketball (Quezon Huskers), nagbuo kami ngayon ng team sa volleyball para sa MPVA. Volleyball is fast rising in terms of popularity among the youth, and we want to develop our volleyball program as we inspire our youth to represent the province and become champions in the future,” said Tan during the team presentation at the Quezon Provincial Hall in Lucena City.
Tan acknowledged the impact of sports not just with its tourism and socio-economic aspects, but also in building the character of the young generations of Quezonians.
“May name-recall na, dati ang kilala lang Quezon City, ngayon bida na rin kami sa Quezon Province after we formed the Quezon Huskers in the MPBL. But, work in progress na ‘yung aming Sports Academy kung saan mas maraming sports pa ang gusto naming madevelop from grassroots hanggang sa elite status. Sa mga susunod na taon asahan ninyong mas maraming taga Quezon province ang masasama sa National Team, at maging professional and world class champions,” added Tan.
Completing the roster of the team are Zamantha Nolasco, Chenae Basarte, Clydel Mae Catarig, Fiona Naomi Getigan, Weilyn Estoque, Corrine Allyson Apostol, Cristy Ondagan, Aya Densing, Kim Alison Estenzo, Zen Basilio, Fiona Inocentes, Marygrace Borromeo, Sofia Badion, Shekaina Lleses and Shahana Lleses.
“One of the focal points for the province’s progress and development ang sports. Kapag malakas ang programa mo sa sports, siguradong healthy, responsible, discipline and progressive ang constituents mo. Maraming sports talent sa lalawigan, particularly sa mga malalayong munisipalidad kaya ito ang chance nila makakuha ng access sa sports, :yan ang tutulungan natin,” said Rep. Tan.
For his part, Kapunan exuded confidence that the team will make a strong finish considering the experience and skills of the players as he challenged them, particularly the homegrown players to play their best and make the province proud as they are not just playing for the title, but for pride and honor of the province.
“No promises. Malaki ang pagkakaiba ng NCAA sa MPVA. But we still have enough time para sa adjustment and familiarity since may walong homegrown tayo na kasama sa team. ‘Yung approach natin sa training and preparation, the same naman sa ginawa natin sa St. Benilde,” said Yee.
