16 teams compete in Liga Dabaw cagefest

MANILA, Philippines - A total of 16 teams, eight collegiate and eight commercial teams, will take part in the Liga Dabaw basketball tournament scheduled Jan. 8-March 15 next year in Davao Cty.

The tournament will help the city choose its representative to the Liga ng Pilipinas, a nationwide basketball tournament, for next year.

Former Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez is helping put up the tournament which has Willy Torres, president of University of Mindanao, as chairman and Mans Carpio as vice chairman.

Ramirez, now the consultant for national affairs for Davao City Mayor Sarah Duterte, said they will invite Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manny V. Pangilinan and executive director Noli Eala as special guests during the opening.

Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao has also been invited since his own basketball team will take part in the tournament.

“This is all part of the sports program under Mayor Duterte, and we hope to find the best team to represent Davao in the Liga ng Pilipinas,” said Ramirez.