MVP puts accent on cage grassroots: Gets new 4-year term as SBP head

MANILA, Philippines - Manny V. Pangilinan got another mandate as Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president after he was elected by acclamation at the multi-purpose hall of the Meralco gym yesterday and immediately called for a more aggressive grassroots development program.

In a speech, Pangilinan, who also chairs the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines, reiterated his commitment to grassroots development while stressing the need to keep communication lines open with all the basketball stakeholders.

“We may need another strategic planning session to plan more grassroots projects,” said Pangilinan before the crowd that included FIBA representative Ben Turner. “We could have done more for grassroots, but in the whole, it was a good four years, we could do better though.”

He also pointed to more communication with all those involved in the country’s basketball program as one of his priorities.

“This is essential if we are to stay focused and united,” he said. “We continue to see this need for cooperation in the formation of national teams where scheduling issues at times, at almost all levels – professional, collegiate, age groups – arise.”

“It is time for SBP to move on to its next and higher stage of development – enabled by a fresh vision and even fresher vigor,” he added.

While MVP got the nod of the 25-man board, composed of heads of various regional cage bodies, the rest of the officers will be elected in formal elections to be scheduled later.

However, the members of the current SBP roster, including chair and Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno, Maynilad Water president and vice chair and ABAP chief Ricky Vargas, board secretary Marievic Anonuevo and treasurer Dr. Jay Adalem, are all tipped to keep their posts.

Moreno, for one, is optimistic of the country’s rise in the Asian scene with MVP’s new term.

“There were some conflicts the first four years,” said Moreno. “Hopefully, there will be more unity and cooperation now.”

SBP executive director Sonny Barrios outlined the SBP’s achievements before deputy executive director Bernie Atienza made a power-point presentation of the SBP’s programs.

“There should be no over-saturation,” said Barrios, a former PBA commissioner. ”We’ll be looking at that closely even as we work for a more extensive grassroots program.

“We’re also working to improve the lots of coaches and referees on the provincial level,” he added.

After the congress was called to order and the certification of notice and quorum, the gathering, which attracted close to 200 regional representatives, a third of them voting members, proceeded with the introduction of new members, approval of the minutes of the June 2011 national congress, the approval of the SBP’s audited financial statement, ratification of the Acts of the Board of Trustees from June 2011 to Dec. 2012, the executive director’s report, and the president’s address.

Also present were Philippine Olympic Committee incoming chairman Tom Carrasco and secretary-general Steve Hontiveros, and PBA commissioner Chito Salud.