NBTC pushing drive to uplift grassroots caging

MANILA, Philippines — Now on its 14th season, the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) is ushering in this fresh chapter with a fresh coat of paint.

NBTC program director Eric Altamirano unveiled the brand new logo which signifies the organization’s continued drive to uplift grassroots basketball while also continuing on its pledge to develop skills, build character, and raise leaders.

“It’s the NBTC’s way of keeping up with the times while also staying true to its core values,” said the amiable executive when he guested in the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

There will be a heightened focus from the ground this season with 94 cities participating in 72 local qualifiers, all fighting for their spot in the four regional championships, namely North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The semifinalists from these tournaments will earn their place in the big dance.

The North Luzon regional will be held in Laoag, Ilocos Norte on Jan. 18-21 upon the invitation of Gov. Matthew Manotoc, followed by the Mindanao leg in Sarangani on Feb. 1-4, Visayas in Cebu from Feb. 15-18 to be hosted by the Cebu Landmasters, and South Luzon in Batangas courtesy of University of Batangas on Feb. 29 to March 3.