• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Bacolod City is ready to step into the international sporting map as it hosts the upcoming FIBA Under-18 Women’s Asia Cup Southeast Asia Basketball Association (SEABA) Qualifiers from June 2 to 6.
The tournament games will be held at the STI West Negros University Gymnasium, while the MICES Gymnasium at Vista Alegre in Abada Escay has been designated as the practice venue.
Bacolod City Administrator Atty. Mark Steven Mayo confirmed that while final logistical needs are currently being addressed, all major preparations for the event are already in place.
“This is important to us because the Philippines is the defending champion, so there is added pressure and, at the same time, added excitement for the basketball fans,” he said.
The five countries competing in the tournament are the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
Delegates from the participating nations are scheduled to arrive on June 1.
The tournament is organized through a partnership among the city government, FIBA, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, with full support from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
The city administrator also invited the public to watch the tournament and support the event as admission to the games will be free of charge.*
