"I played basketball too, when I was younger." AVR

Basketball - Most Popular Sport in the Philippines 
 "I played basketball too, when I was younger." AVR

Dr Abe V Rotor 

    CUFAA champion

The De Ocampo Memorial College won the Colleges and Universities Faculty Athletic Association in 1971. I played guard (rightmost, front row No 15).  Our team included the De Ocampo brothers - Dr Tony (playing manager) and Dr Bibit (Vicente) both at my right, Eddie Rodriguez (leftmost, 1st row) who played center, Paquito Bato, Dr Gare Garcia, Tito Viloria, Another tall member who played center was Dave Perez (left. second row), Dr Munding Villanueva, Dr Tranquilino Elicaño, our long distance shooter. (There was no 3-point shoot then), Alex Zonio, Romy Fernandez, Rolly Sarreal and Pat Lazaro.  Not in the picture are Nes Mayoralgo and Cris Arroyo.  Our coach was Crispulo Jocson and our muse was Miss Imelda Villarama. 

DANR Basketball Team 

I played guard in the inter-departmental basketball tournament in 1973 (seated, No. 19).  Agriculture and Natural Resources then were under one department (DANR) headed by the late Secretary Arturo Tanco.  President Ferdinand Marcos had earlier declared Martial Law. Among the country's programs given importance was cultural and sports development. I was then the council secretary of NFAC (National Food and Agriculture Council, a 22-member inter-agency advisory group charged with the task of attaining food self-sufficiency with Masagana rice 99 as the flagship.) The council was spearheaded by the late Executive Director Roberto E Fronda (left, standing row). Former DA secretary Ding Panganiban, then NFAC Deputy Executive Secretary actively played with the team. Director Domingo Lantion (right, standing row) was our coach.   

There are many reasons why Filipinos love basketball.*

 1, Basketball is a fast game and Filipinos like a sport that’s dynamic, tactical and entertaining. 

2. It is easily playable. There are makeshift courts on sandlots and neighborhood nooks all over the country.

3. It is accessible. Fans can come up close and personal with players. The court has no barriers at least on the floor level.

4. Basketball is a means of livelihood to thousands and opens doors to a better life.

5. Basketball is a contact sport and Filipinos like it when athletes compete down to their singlets and jerseys without protective armor.

6. Basketball is a sport that invites widespread participation from the grassroots level upwards and is ingrained in the school system.

* Why Filipinos love basketball. SPORTING CHANCE By Joaquin M. Henson (The Philippine Star) | Updated March 23, 2016