Ilocos Norte Hosts Inaugural NBTC Regional Championship with 18 Teams

LAOAG CITY – The National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) launched its first-ever regional championship in Ilocos Norte, featuring eighteen teams competing in the North Luzon Regional Championship. The event, which commenced at the Laoag City Centennial Arena on Friday, focuses on basketball players aged 19 and below from the northern region of the Philippines.

According to Philippines News Agency, who spoke at the kickoff, the province is striving to become a notable hub for sports tourism in the north. Approximately 400 players, coaches, and technical staff are staying at the dormitory of the refurbished Ferdinand E. Marcos Sports Stadium for the three-day event. Governor Manotoc encouraged attendees to explore local culinary delights and tourist attractions, highlighting Ilocos Norte’s famous empanada, longganisa, bagnet, and the vegetable dish pinakbet. He also mentioned key tourist destinations such as Saud beach in Pagudpud, Paoay Church, the Kapurpurawan Rocks Formation, and La Milagrosa Cove.

Eric Altamirano, founder and program director of the NBTC, expressed gratitude for the province’s hospitality. He noted the potential of Ilocos Norte’s young players, praising their performance in the early games. Altamirano called for support for the ongoing games, which are held at the Laoag Centennial Arena, San Nicolas Mini Sports Center, and the Laoag City Sports Complex until Sunday.

As of Friday evening, teams that had recorded victories included PPG Tarlac, Yengskivel Sportswear Camanava, Panpacific University of Pangasinan, Pampanga Lanterns, CCDC Baguio, La Union’s PAOwer Kahit Saan, and PhilCST- Calasiao.