Stay away from drugs, Caraga youths told

BUTUAN CITY — San Miguel Corporation’s All Stars South cagers Zaldy Realubit, Bonel Balingit, Dondon Ampalayo, Gilbert Castillo and Al Solis urged Caraga’s youth to stay away from drugs and spend idle time to sports like basketball.

The unsolicited advice came after the Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority (PDEA) launched a reinvigorated campaign against drug abuse in the region following reports of the discovery of marijuana plantations in the area.

Basketball fans of all ages welcomed the former PBA players, who are part of San Miguel’s Basketball Goodwill Circuit in Mindanao last May 18 at the Urios College Gymnasium.

PBA Chairman of the Board of Directors Casiano B. Cabalan, Jr. told The STAR that the San Miguel Basketball Goodwill Circuit is a way of thanking the public, especially Caraga residents, for their patronage of SMC products.

Aside from playing with local cagers in an exhibition game, the Goodwill players also held basketball clinics for players and coaches and joined a grand parade during Butuan City’s fiesta celebration.

Before the team left for Manila, the cagers joined the grand parade in observation of Butuan City’s fiesta celebration.