CCDC Hosts the Opening of the 33rd Season of the Baguio-Benguet Educational Athletic League

BBEAL 33rd season opening, SBP Regional Director encourages inclusion of 3×3 in the league

Student-athletes from 10 school members took center court as they paraded in the 33rd season of Baguio-Benguet Educational Athletic League last Friday, October 4, at the CCDC Admirals gym.

This year’s host Cordillera Career Development College lighted up the gym preparing a simple and memorable opening ceremony. The event opened up with an intermission number from the CCDC Faculty followed by welcome remarks from CCDC Chairman of the Board James M. Malaya and Provincial Executive Assistant Cayat in place of provincial governor Hon. Melchor Diclas.

The event was highlighted by presentations from the Cordillera Regional Science High School Glee Club where the group bagged gold during the 9th Bali International Choir Festival in Indonesia. They are set to compete once again to defend their title in Singapore. BCU and UC Dance companies also contributed intermission numbers that up roared the audiences.

CCDC cagers Nicholas Peter Sarris led the oath of sportsmanship alongside John Russel Tuazon who proceeded with the torch lighting which symbolizes unity and friendship. They were joined by sports directors and representatives from different school members.

After the torch lighting, falling ballons brought pandemonium as the student-athletes saw banners of their respective school unfurl.

Also part of the program was the recognition of awardees for their contribution in the league. Among the awardees were Major Edgardo B. Batinay of PMA, Prof. Raymundo Rovillos, chancellor of UP, Prof. Fernando P. Florendo, athletic director of UP, Antonio DS Fernandez and Gerald A. Lee, athletic director of KCP.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Regional Director for Northern Luzon Peter Rey Bautista led the inspirational message. According to him, “sports can unite people”. He believes that in any institution, who puts development in sports, would prosper and progress. He also added that “schools who do not spend in sports will [also] have a lousy program in academics because sports and education always come together.” While he witnessed the game between Gilas Pilipinas vs. Italy during the FIBA World Cup last month which brought disappointment to most Filipinos, he urged that inclusion of 3×3 tournaments in BBEAL where in this format, only 4 players (3 players in court and 1 sub) are needed. He emphasized also that in this sport, chances are, even the small schools can beat the big schools. This has already been considered an Olympic sport for the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics where Philippines currently ranks 21st all over the world. He concluded his message praying for fairness, transparency and impartiality.

University of Baguio will have its hands full when it defends the over-all crown again.

Other members of the BBEAL are Baguio Central University, Baguio College of Technology, Benguet State University, Philippine Military Academy, Pines City Colleges, University of the Cordilleras, University of the Philippines–Baguio, and Saint Louis University.

Photos and story by W.T.G.