PBA reaches out to victims of Yolanda

MANILA, Philippines - PBA rivals Mark Caguioa, Jimmy Alapag and Asi Taulava turn band of brothers to personally help in relief efforts in Tacloban City on Friday.

LA Tenorio and Danny Seigle will also be in the PBA delegation – led by commissioner Chito Salud, board chairman Mon Segismundo and board member Eric Arejola – to show the league’s continuing support to the victims of superhowler Yolanda under its Alagang PBA program.

The group is bringing relief goods and an added cash donation to be turned over to regular Leyte PBA games organizer Kenneth Uy. The PBA has made an initial P1-million donation to the relief effort.

“This is our way of showing support to our brothers who were devastated by Yolanda. And the PBA is on it for a long term, not just one time,” said Salud.

“Babalik kami nang babalik sa mga nasalantang lugar. We’ll visit Ormoc, Samar, Bohol and even Cebu,” Salud added.

In Leyte, on top of relief goods and cash donation, the PBA is bringing six portable rims and boards, and six dozen basketballs.

“The background of this was the group of kids photographed playing basketball on a makeshift court amidst the ruins and debris in Western Samar,” said Salud.

The photo went viral in social media with NBA players considering it one of the best basketball pictures in the recent past.

The kids were saying playing basketball is their only source of entertainment now, and they’re hoping to be visited by their idols from the PBA.

“We’re now trying to locate these kids, hoping to bring them over to Leyte,” said PBA media bureau chief Willie Marcial.

Looking forward to the trip are Alapag, Taulava and Seigle who trace their roots in the provinces hardest hit by the super typhoon.

The PBA goods are now on their way to Tacloban, being airlifted with the help of Air Asia and Air21. Those who have thrown support are Toby’s Sports, Molten and Excite Inc. of Gelo Serrano.

The PBA welcomes cash donations. For more information, call 4703255.