Aboitiz Football Cup returns to Cebu for bigger Season 24

CEBU, Philippines — After seven years of being out of the sports scene in this side of the archipelago, the Aboitiz Football Cup (AFC) will return to Cebu for the first time since 2017 in what promises to be its boldest season yet slated to kick off on September 14.

The good news was jointly announced by Aboitiz Foundation President Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, Aboitiz Capital Head of Communications, Marketing and Branding Arline Adeva, Jorenz Tañada of Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, and Central Visayas Football Association (CVFA) President Engr. Rodney Orale during the launching of AFC Season 24 yesterday at Zubuchon-Pueblo Verde in Lapu-Lapu City.

“We are excited to bring the Aboitiz Football Cup back to Cebu and expand it across the country, allowing us to reach more young athletes and communities,” said  Hontiveros-Malvar, who is also the Chief Reputation and Sustainability Officer of Aboitiz Equity Ventures.

“We really feel it is high time to bring it back to its original home. It’s really been a longtime desire of the organization,” she added.

Among the venues being considered for the Cebu tournament are the Dynamic Herb-Borromeo Sports Complex, Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC), Don Bosco Technical College (DBTC)-Cebu, University of San Carlos (USC), and Cebu City Sports Center. Games will be played on weekends leading up to the closing ceremony in  February 2025.

The new season of the country’s longest-running grassroots football league also marks an exciting nationwide expansion with legs in Luzon and Mindanao.

With this, the AFC will see regional festivals in Tarlac, Batangas, and Davao hosted by Aboitiz InfraCapital and its business units AIC Economic Estates and Apo Agua.

Additionally, the top two teams from these regions will have the opportunity to participate in the special exhibition match in Cebu to cap off the season.

“The Aboitiz Football Cup Season 24 returns to Central Visayas, reigniting the passion for the beautiful game and bringing the region together again,” said Orale, adding that tournament features at least 14 categories from the Players 6 up to the 45-above age group.

The AFC Season 24 endeavors to bring not only thrilling  matches but will also serve as a powerful platform to raise awareness on environmental sustainability through its  “Wasteless Campaign” in collaboration with Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI).

“This season’s integration of the Wasteless Campaign reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability

and collective action. By blending sportsmanship with environmental stewardship, we aim to inspire a new generation of Filipinos to take an active role in preserving our planet,” said Hontiveros-Malvar.

True enough, the AFC continues to be a beacon of grassroots sports development, bringing communities together through these exciting games while making a positive impact on the environment. — (FREEMAN)