A stronger and more coordinated grassroots basketball program is starting to take shape in the Negros Island Region. That direction became clear as sports leaders and local government representatives gathered for the inaugural Sports Coordinators’ Meeting of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Zone 7 at Apollo Restaurant Paseo Verde in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.
According to a press release, the meeting drew sports coordinators and LGU representatives from across Negros Occidental, all focused on aligning development plans and building a shared approach to grow the game in the region. There was a sense of purpose in the room, with participants looking to move forward together rather than in separate efforts.
Representatives from several LGUs took part, including the cities of Sipalay, Himamaylan, Silay, Bacolod, Kabankalan, Talisay, Sagay, and Escalante, along with the municipalities of La Castellana, Cauayan, Pulupandan, Pontevedra, and Don Salvador Benedicto.
During the session, newly appointed SBP Zone 7 officials walked participants through the zone’s leadership structure, its core development programs, zone franchises of Pambansang Tatluhan and National Junior Championships, and a tentative calendar of basketball activities for calendar year 2026. The discussion naturally turned to the role of local governments, as their support remains essential, especially in identifying young talent, developing players, training coaches, and strengthening officiating programs.
Also present were members of the SBP Zone 7 leadership team, including Assistant Zone Directors Dexter Dy for talent identification and player development, Patrick Nicholas Lopingco for coaches development, and Venancio Lachica for technical development.
Provincial counterparts joined as well, led by Mark Jomalesa, Provincial Director for SBP Negros Occidental. He was joined by Edwin John Dennis Velez, Provincial Coordinator for Coaches Development, and Christopher Lofranco, Provincial Coordinator for Technical Development. Their presence underscored how local and provincial efforts are expected to work hand in hand moving forward.
Leading the gathering was SBP Zone 7 Director Anthony Carlo Agustin, alongside the zone leadership and provincial officials tasked with carrying out national basketball programs at the local level.
“As a newly established zone, this meeting marks an important step in creating a more organized and sustainable grassroots basketball development system in our region,” Agustin said. “Through stronger coordination with our LGUs, we can identify talent earlier, train coaches and technical officials better, and provide young athletes with structured opportunities to grow in the sport.”
The gathering placed strong emphasis on collaboration between SBP and LGUs, with a clear goal of making sure basketball development programs reach communities across the province. The aim is to build a steady pipeline of players, coaches, and officials who can contribute to the sport at higher levels.
By the end of the meeting, sports coordinators and SBP leaders shared a common commitment to keep working together. The focus now shifts to expanding opportunities for young players and strengthening the region’s presence in the national basketball scene.
Following the Negros Occidental Sports Coordinators’ Meeting, SBP Zone 7 plans to continue its outreach across the region. Next stops include Negros Oriental and Siquijor, where courtesy and coordination meetings with local chief executives are expected to take place.
With stronger partnerships forming at the local level, SBP Zone 7 is aiming to build a more structured, inclusive, and sustainable grassroots basketball system. The long-term goal is to open more doors for young athletes, nurture future talent, and raise the level of basketball across the Negros Island Region.*
