UNTV Cup launches 9th season at Big Dome

MANILA, Philippines — The UNTV Cup, also known as “The League of Public Servants,” returns from a two-year hiatus, kicking off its ninth season at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today.

The 12 competing teams, led by defending champion Department of Environment and Natural Resources, are all eager to go back to the hard court not just for fun and competition but also to give a ray of hope for their chosen charities.

UNTV President and CEO Dr. Daniel Razon said the institution picked by the champion team will receive a tax-free P3 million prize in the tournament run by PBA great Atoy Co as commissioner.

“Apart from our mission to provide help to several charity institutions through basketball, we want to promote camaraderie among public servants and remind them the importance of wellness and fitness,” said Razon.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Midas Marquez, Senators Joel Villanueva, Bong Go and Sonny Angara, and former collegiate standouts will spearhead their respective teams with Marquez bannering the Judiciary.

Other agencies taking part in the tourney are two-time champion Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Department of Agriculture, National Housing Authority, Ombudsman, OP-Presidential Management Staff, PhilHealth, SSS and GSIS.

The lone game after an elaborate opening ceremony will be known through drawing of lots.