THE Games and Amusements Board (GAB), headed by Chairman Abraham “Baham” Mitra, lauded the coming 2021 Pilipinas Vis-Min Super Cup basketball championship in Cebu City on April 9.
Mitra said GAB has already approved the application of the Vis-Min Cup as the newest professional basketball league in the country.
“The decision of the Vis-Min Cup to turn professional is very timely, especially at this time when local sports are slowly getting back into the groove,” said Mitra during the virtual launch of the league recently.
“Everyone is welcome in GAB as long as the health and safety protocol are put in place. We fully support this tournament and we wish them well. We know the league can give opportunities to our local players to show their skills and develop their talents and character.”
As part of the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) signed by the GAB, Philippine Sports Commission and Department of Health and approved by the IATF-EID (Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases), only professional leagues are allowed to resume games subject to health and safery protocols.
Pilipinas Vis-Min Super Cup chief operating officer Rocky Chan said six teams — three from Cebu Province — will play a double-round tournament leading to the semis and finals
“Aside from helping discover outstanding players from both regions, the Vis-Min Super Cup hopes provide employment opportunities and promote sports tourism,” said Chan.
PBA legend and now Cebu City councilman Dondon Hontiveros is also helping in the tournament.
“This is perfect for the city of Cebu to have the first leg here. I am happy and excited to have the first Vis-Min Super Cup in Cebu,” added Hontiveros.
“We’re crafting an ordinance for sports bubble, and hopefully magawa namin ito at ma-approve a month before the start of the tournament,” Hontiveros told mediamen.
“We want to know kung ano ang mga requirements ng sports bubble at kung ano ang ma-provide ng city. We will give our best so that the health and safety protocols will be observed.”
Hontiveros said they are eyeing the Cebu City Coliseum as venue for the Visayas leg.
The Cebu Coliseum was the home of the Cebu Gems, where Hontiveros began his colorful professional career, and is currently the home of MPBL team Cebu Sharks.
PBA and CESAFI games were also played in the said venue.
After the Visayas leg, action shifts to Mindanao with a similar format to be played in Zamboanga sometime in May.
The Visayas and Mindanao champions will clash for the overall championship at a still undetermined venue.
Among the teams expected to play in the Visayas leg are Cebu City, Talisay, Lapu-lapu and Mandaue.
The Mindanao leg will feature teams from Zamboanga City, Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur; and Roxas and Sindangan in Zamboanga del Norte.
