MMDA launches basketball, volleyball cup for gov’t employees

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday kicked off the inaugural MMDA Cup, a basketball and volleyball tournament for local and national government agencies’ employees.

In a statement, the MMDA said the sports tournament aims to help and encourage government employees to actively participate in sports for a healthier and more active lifestyle.

A total of 17 Metro Manila local government units and national government agencies will join the MMDA Cup 2024.

Held at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City, the MMDA Cup 2024 opened with a parade of participating basketball and volleyball teams together with their muses.

Professional basketball players Ricci Rivero and JC Macalalang and volleyball player Joshua Retamar, gave messages of encouragement to the participants.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco, Pasay City Mayor Emy Calixto-Rubiano, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, and Manila City Mayor Honey Pangan-Lacuna.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos (holding ball) and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora (second from right) at the event. Photo: MMDA

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna (third from left) and Pasay City Mayor Emy Calixto-Rubiano (second from right). Photo: MMDA

MMDA chairperson Romando Artes said the cup is a celebration of sportsmanship and camaraderie among government employees and a platform for fostering unity and cooperation within communities.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos pointed out the importance of teamwork, not only in the game, but most especially in public service.

Zamora, who is also Metro Manila Council president, expressed his gratitude to the MMDA for this initiative. — BM, GMA Integrated News