Two more teams—Social Security System and Department of Environment and Natural Resources—have joined the UNTV Cup which stages its 8th edition today (Monday) at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The additions of the SSS Kabalikat and DENR Warriors bring up the number of participants to the annual basketball tournament to 12.
UNTV President and CEO Dr. Daniel Razon, the architect behind the successful event dubbed “Ang Liga ng Public Servants,” said only one game will be held on opening day which will be determined after the drawing of lots.
Since the birth of the league seven years ago, Razon said more than P50 million have been donated to charity institutions, with Bro. Eli Soriano as the major sponsors.
“Aside from fostering camaraderie among the public servants, we want these government agencies to be given opportunities to help their chosen charities,” said Razon, who will have PBA legend Atoy Co as commissioner.
Razon said defending champion Armed Forces of the Philippines is going to donate its P4 million prize won earlier this year to the AFP Educational Benefits System Office as an added fund for the education of children of fallen soldiers.
AFP team captain Sgt. Alvin Zuñiga is grateful to the UNTV management.
“It is our own way of helping the children of our fallen comrades,” said Zuñiga. “Kaya we will do our best again to retain our title dahil marami pa kaming matutulungan.”
Other government agencies taking part in the event are two-time champion Judiciary, Philippine National Police, Department of Agriculture, Ombudsman, GSIS, Malacañang, Philippine International Trading Corporation, National Housing Authority and PhilHealth.
Out to spoil AFP’s back-to-back bid are Malacañang, PNP and NHA.