Duterte Cup 2018 will have 8 teams vying for the championship in Basketball as the tournament officially opened last November 9, 2018.
In attendance was Assistant Labor Attache Jobo Magsaysay with almost a hundred players and guests at the sidelines for the tournament organized by OFWGME Abu Dhabi, Kilusang Pagbabago International, Tapang at Malasakit, and Skills International in cooperation with ADFIVA and UWBA.
Former Presidential Communications Operations Office Assistant Secretary and Party List Representative candidate Margaux “Mocha” Uson sent a video message in support for the cup: “Maraming salamat po sa inyong patuloy na pagsuporta at pagmamahal sa ating bayan at sa ating mahal na tatay Digong. Nawaý magsilbing daan ito para mas pagtibayin ang ating samahan at pagkakaibigan. Wala na pong ibang magdadamayan kundi tayo-tayo ring mga Pilipino.”
Presidential son and candidate for Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte thanked the players through a video message for their unyielding support for his father. “Congratulations in advance sa mga Duterte Cup players at maraming salamat sa lahat ng suporta ninyo sa tatay ko and I hope you will have a successful event.
Special Assistant to the President and 2019 Senatoriable Candidate Christopher “Bong” Go also sent his well wishes for all of the players and organizers of the event: “Sa mga kalahok ng Duterte Cup sa Abu Dhabi pati na rin sa mga nag-organize ng liga na ito, sana po ay maging matagumpay ang inyong palaro dahil ito ay isang paraan para mapagtibay ninyo ang inyong samahan at kapatiran habang kayo ay nasal abas ng pilipinas at malayo sa pamilya. Maraming salamat sa inyong walang sawang suporta kay Tatay Digong.”
Secretary General of the OFW Global Movement for Empowerment and Chairman of Abu Dhabi chapter Sheryl Palacios-Manalo said that the game aims to build camaraderie between Filipinos in the UAE. “This is a friendly basketball & badminton game between different teams and fellow DDS to show our continued love and support for our dear President Duterte. This is a tournament that will give us both the opportunity to foster relationships, provide a healthy energy outlet and fuel the strong support of fellow OFWs to the President,” said Palacios-Manalo.
The 8 participating teams include: TGBI-TO Falcons, Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino De Cebu, DPM Saints, PGCFI Knights, Berna, D Sparrow Unit, POWER Team, SOUAE Warriors who were all present for the opening ceremony.
