Pangasinan Set to Compete in Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League’s Upcoming Season
LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The province of Pangasinan is poised to join the burgeoning ranks of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) in its forthcoming season, an initiative aimed at nurturing local basketball talent and providing a pathway to professional play. The announcement was made by team franchise owner Cezar Quiambao during a press conference at Urduja House in Lingayen, introducing the Pangasinan Heat as the 29th team in the league. The team’s name, inspired by the province’s abundant solar resources, symbolizes Pangasinan’s vibrant energy and potential in the sports realm.
According to Philippines News Agency, a former mayor of Bayambang town in Pangasinan, the creation of the Pangasinan Heat is part of a broader effort to support youth development and leverage sports as a platform to showcase the province. Alaminos City Mayor Arth Bryan Celeste, serving as the team manager, emphasized the focus on recruiting primarily homegrown talent, with a majority of players hailing from Urdaneta and Alaminos cities, as well as Sual town. However, to bolster the team’s competitiveness, additional players will be scouted from outside the province.
The coaching staff for the Pangasinan Heat boasts an impressive lineup of former professional basketball players and seasoned coaches, including Jun Marzan Jr., Cris Calaguio, Lordy Tugade, and collegiate coach Sonny de Jesus. Furthermore, basketball luminaries Marlou Aquino and Danny Ildefonso will serve as consultants, lending their expertise and experience to the team’s development.
Governor Ramon Guico III clarified that the team’s operations would be funded entirely by the franchise owner, ensuring no public funds are allocated to the team’s activities. Guico also explained that the province’s delayed entry into the league was due to prioritizing local governance and stability but now sees the participation in MPBL as an opportunity to foster social responsibility through sports.
The MPBL, founded by Senator Manny Pacquiao in 2017, has quickly become a platform for local basketball talent to shine, with teams such as San Juan, Davao, Nueva Ecija, and Pampanga previously clinching championships. MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes lauded the formation of Team Pangasinan and its commitment to the league’s vision of developing homegrown talent.
The league’s next season is set to open on March 16, with the inaugural game hosted in Calasiao town, Pangasinan. This event is anticipated to not only spotlight the province’s athletic talent but also stimulate local economic activity, marking a significant milestone in Pangasinan’s sports and community development efforts.