UNTV Cup is a noble project worthy of support and emulation, said Bro. Eliseo F. Soriano during the opening ceremony of the second season of the inter-government agency basketball league with a noble mission for the indigents.
The Ang Dating Daan host said via a taped remark that such idea originates from a person who learned how to show compassion for his fellowmen.
Bro. Eli was referring to Kuya Daniel Razon who is CEO and Chairman of BMPI-UNTV.
“It was all his ideas, these public services,” remarked Bro Eli in the vernacular. “I just help him to pursue his ideas to help fellowmen. I am hoping that we will continue to support, like what you’re already doing to support projects of Bro. Daniel.”
Bro. Eli stressed the immeasurable number of beneficiaries helped by the public services being offered by UNTV.
The International Evangelist welcomed all the players and participants of UNTV Cup during its opening ceremony on February 11 (Tuesday) at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
He especially commended the players for their participation in the league, even though they will not take home the prize money because they will donate to their chosen charity their prize pot.
The preacher also explained to the players the importance of selflessness, elaborating that the act of helping others is an example given by our Lord Jesus Christ who sacrificed not for himself but for the benefit of others.
Game Day As Extension of Care
Also known as Kuya Daniel, the veteran broadcaster said that each game day would be considered people’s day. By this he meant the viewing public would get a chance to seek assistance or to bring up their concerns before the government agencies.
Each agency will put up public service booth at the venue where a game is set.
More Teams to Bring More Public Service
The success of the first season of UNTV Cup inspired more interested participants to join. From last season’s seven teams, season two now have ten.
These teams comprised of Malacañang, Senate, Congress, DOJ, Judiciary, Local Government Units, MMDA, PNP, AFP, and PhilHealth.
Philheath head coach and deputy spokesperson Delio Aseron II congratulated the organizers of the event for its public service orientation.
“Rest assured that PhilHealth will continue supporting the projects of UNTV through the leadership of Bro. Eli and Kuya Daniel,” Aseron remarked. “We are all one in public service.”
Also impressed by the charitable concept of UNTV Cup is Lt. Comm. Paul Anthony Yamamoto of Team Malacañang.
“[Our team] agreed that this [league] is a very good concept so we are inspired to play,” Yamamoto said.
Former basketball superstar Kenneth Duremdes, who is playing for Team Senate as a reinforcement player, praised the successful tournament. “This is a very good project. This is a hit,” the former National Team player said.
Beneficiaries Say Thanks
Rodelyn Rodillas, a soldier’s daughter and a fourth year BS Business Economics student from UP Diliman, was thankful to be one of the beneficiaries of the winnings of the Team AFP through the AFP-Educational Benefit System Office.
“They [the organizers] are very kind to conceive an event like this that helps other people. A sports event with a very good advocacy,” Rodillas, who came at the venue to support Team AFP, said.
Jobelle Aquino, one of the scholars of PNP-Educational Assistance Program, was also thankful to UNTV Cup organizers.
“We are very thankful, especially [because] we are one of the beneficiaries. We hope that this [UNTV Cup] would continue because many are also wanting to receive such help,” Aquino said.
The first game during the opening night of UNTV Cup season 2 was between teams Senate and Congress.
Team Senate came up with the victory with a final score of 83 to 74.
(Written by Roy Cruz)
