By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The On D’ Move (ODM) Basketball League is back in the sport of hoops and successfully kicked off the Congressman Howard Guintu Basketball Cup last February 3, 2024, held at the Capiz Gymnasium in Roxas City.
After nearly a year of taking a break from sports organizing, the man behind the biggest basketball leagues in the province of Capiz, ODM’s very own Jeremiah Obera, spearheaded the opening of the Cong. Howard Guintu Basketball Cup and was joined by eight teams from Roxas City and 12 teams from the town side.
All participating teams flocked to the Capiz Gymnasium for the grand opening of the 25-under hoops tournament followed by the presentation of their muses.
Cong. Guintu, the man who initiated the league, also gave his inspirational message to the young Capiznon ballers who are seeking to chase their dreams in the sport of basketball.
As a consolation to their efforts, Cong. Guintu announced that all participating players in the league will receive 5,000 pesos each while the head coach and assistant coach 10,000 and 6,000 pesos each, respectively.
Aside from the monetary prizes, Cong. Guintu and commissioner Obera agreed that all teams from the city and the towns will be playing for free without any registration fees including their uniforms.
The champion will be receiving a grand prize of 100,000 pesos, first runner-up 50,000 pesos, second runner-up 30,000 pesos, and third runner-up 20,000 pesos.
When asked about why choosing the 25-under category instead of the usual open category, commissioner Obera explained that the goal ever since was to help the developing young talents hone their skill and become the avenue where they can acquire their much-needed basketball scholarship for their education.
Also sponsoring the prestigious basketball event is Board Member Pepe Del Rosario who is also one of the avid supporters of the ODM sports leagues.
“For the longest time in Capiz, kaya man gali naton magpaliga sang muni ka dako kag muni ang benepisyo nga kaya ihatag. That’s why salamat gd kay Cong Howard Guintu kg BM Pepe Del Rosario. Sa ila wala imposible, tungod kay Guintu, Pwede. Sa tanan, sadyahun ta ini nga league. Play with pride, represent your Municipalities well, kag sportsmanship man gihapon ang mangibabaw sa ulihi,” said Obera in an exclusive interview with the Daily Guardian.
