PLDT, Smart join forces with MVP Group, public sector for Makabansa Basketball League Season 3

BASKETBALL ACTION never ends as the Makabansa Basketball League returns for its third season featuring teams from public and private sectors.

PLDT, Inc. (PLDT) and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) are joining forces with the rest of the Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP)-led businesses, ACEN, and government agencies for the third season of the Makabansa Basketball League (MBL).

Themed “Kapit-bisig,” MBL Season 3 features 14 teams from both the public and private sectors. Notable participants from the public sector include the Office of the President, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Energy, General Trias LGU, Office of the Solicitor General, and the Philippine National Police. The private sector will be represented by leading companies such as ACEN, Meralco, Metro Pacific Tollways, and PLDT. Smart is among the sponsors of the event, along with other notable brands.

Present at the opening ceremonies were Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, private sector executives and representatives, Smart Chief Operating Officer Anastacio “Boy” Martirez, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. Head of Government Relations and Public Affairs Atty. Mike Toledo, and athletes such as Paris Olympics 2024 Bronze Medalist Aira Villegas, Team Gilas Alumni, among others.

Jude Turcuato, head of sports at PLDT and Smart, expressed his enthusiasm for the league, stating, “Sports have a unique ability to unite people from different walks of life. The Makabansa Basketball League exemplifies how the public and private sectors can collaborate to promote teamwork, camaraderie, and nation-building. We are proud to be part of this initiative and look forward to a season filled with exciting games and meaningful connections.”

One of the highlights of the season will be the All-Star Weekend, featuring an Executive All-Star game between teams Magiting and Matapang, along with various side events such as Zumba for the ladies, clinics for children, and 3×3 games for teenagers. During the first game-day of the season, PLDT played against the Department of Energy led by Senator Joel Villanueva. Basketball fans can catch the tournaments streamed live on Smart Sports Facebook and PusoP.com.

MBL Season 3 will also emphasize community engagement, with the champion team granting a chosen barangay court to be painted with the Makabansa logo and distributing gifts to children. This initiative underscores the league’s commitment to giving back to the community and fostering a sense of unity and pride.

All these initiatives highlight PLDT and Smart’s continuing contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being. It also aligns with PLDT’s broader goal to pursue partnerships and boost opportunities among Filipino communities, leaving no one behind.