Urdaneta Village has “Court of Inspiration”
URDANETA CITY—The bayanihan spirit was alive in Barangay Mabanogbog here last February 3 when residents volunteered and joined hands to construct a cemented basketball court that will also serve as their recreational and community center.
The court, dubbed “Court of Inspiration”, was funded by Alaxan FR through its Galing Mo! Program defraying costs of materials and only requires labor as counterpart of the residents for the construction of basketball courts in barangays around the country.
“To Filipinos, the basketball court is a social phenomenon. It’s a place where relationships are strengthened. It’s their tambayan,” said Sheila Roño, Alaxan FR Product Manager.
Arsenio Elegado Sr., chairman of Barangay Mabanogbog, a consistent awardee of the Tulungan sa Purok Program of the City Government of Urdaneta, said the barangay residents are always ready to volunteer.
Geri Pacleb, public relations officer of Alaxan FR, said the criteria in choosing the beneficiary barangays includes not having a cemented basketball court, commitment of at least 70 volunteers, the village’s willingness to accept the task, and the place is at least 10 kilometers away from the city center.
The land on which the court was built is owned by Kagawad Lolita Vidal who agreed to lend the land for at least five years.
An inauguration ceremony at the end of the month is expected to be attended by Philippine basketball legends like Johnny Abarrientos, Jerry Codiñera, Jojo Lastimosa, Ronnie Magsanoc, Benjie Paras, and Alvin Patrimonio.
Geri said the second phase of the program may be a sports camp to the village for ten 16-20 year olds and players with potentials will trained in Manila. –Johanne R. Macob with PIA-Pangasinan/AMM
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