Bigger UNTV Cup tilt boosts charity drive

MANILA, Philippines - The UNTV Cup has a gone a long way with the field, featuring the country’s public servants, former pros and celebrities, doubling up since its inaugurals five years ago.

From seven squads, the tournament, conceived by UNTV president and CEO Daniel Razon, has attracted 13 teams for this year’s staging, each has its own choice of charitable institution as beneficiary.

Big names in government agencies like Malacañang, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Senate, Department of Justice and House of Representatives have joined the tournament not only to create awareness about wellness but also to help improve the plight of the underprivileged.

Not only the number of teams has increased, but also the prize money that goes to each team’s chosen charity.

Aside from the P500,000 prize that will be shared by each member of the team, the champion will be donating P4 million to its charity at the end of the tournament.

In the last four years, UNTV has already doled out P20 million worth of cash and donations to the chosen charitable institutions of winning teams.

“UNTV is the only public service channel focused on serving our countrymen,” said Razon during a jampacked opening ceremony at the SM Mall of Asia Arena last Monday. “Our heartfelt gratitude goes first to the Lord and to all of you who supported the fifth season of UNTV Cup.”

Playing basketball, Razon said, is only secondary since charity is the focus of the basketball tournament aimed at encouraging sportsmanship and camaraderie among government agencies.

“The thrust of UNTV Cup echoes that which UNTV is known for: committed public service,” he added.

Eleven of 13 participating government agencies have already revealed their partner charities with defending champion Armed Forces of the Philippines picking AFP– Educational Benefit Systems Office (AFP-EBSO).

Razon also bared that an exhibition basketball game with President Rodrigo Duterte’s Cabinet officials will be organized, with proceeds going to charity.