CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) expressed its gratitude to the Pampanga Provincial Government for hosting the 2025 FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers, which officially kicked off on May 24 at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center here.
“On behalf of SBP, we would like to thank the province of Pampanga under the leadership of Gov. Dennis ‘Delta’ Pineda. We enjoyed the food, we had a great meal. This week is not just a tournament of games, of winning and losing—it’s about growth and learning by giving your best on and off the court,” enthused SBP event director Butch Antonio.
The provincial government hosted a cultural night and banquet where the six participating teams and officials were feted with performances and a sumptuous Kapampangan feast.
The evening also featured a talent showcase where athletes from different countries shared their off-court talents, building camaraderie and cultural understanding among teams.
As a special token to commemorate their stay, each player received a uniquely crafted souvenir plaque made from the ashes of Mt. Pinatubo symbolizing Pampanga’s resilience and rich heritage.
In a message delivered for him by board member Ananias Canlas Jr., Governor Pineda emphasized the province’s pride in hosting a national sports event that celebrates youth development, sportsmanship, and international friendship.
“Our province is honored to be the venue of the games for the talented young athletes of the new generation. Basketball is deeply rooted in Filipino culture, and through events like these, the youth are given meaningful opportunities to be inspired. By seeing their peers compete with pride to represent their countries, they too are encouraged to dream big and pursue sports,” the governor’s message stated.
The 2025 FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers will run until May 30. As of this writing, both Gilas Youth and Indonesia remain undefeated with identical 3-0 records. Pampanga PIO/Photos: Daniel Ombina
