Pangasinan Fifth District Congressman Ramon V. Guico III on February 7 officially declared the opening of the Northern Luzon Collegiate Athletic Association Basketball/Volleyball League at the Ramon J. Guico Sr. Sports and Civic Center.
In his message, Congressman Guico, founder of NLCAA, talked about integrity, honesty, and self-discipline in sports.
“Let us bring back the integrity of sports; let us develop honesty, and self-discipline and may the NLCAA build friendship and unity,” Guico said. He also stressed fair play and sportsmanship among the youth through sports.
Moreover, Congressman Guico expressed his hope that other sports programs and events would be held in the municipality and he envisioned the NLCAA to be one of the reasons people from other towns will come to Binalonan.
Former PBA player Danilo Ildefonso, the guest speaker, inspired and advised the athletes by telling his humble beginnings.
Ildefonso, 2000-2001 back to back Most Valuable Player, and dubbed as the Demolition Man, focused on hardwork, discipline, and faith in God as keys for his success.
“Kahit anong work, you should manifest hardwork,” he said.
Ildefonso, Alaska Aces Team 2nd Assistant Coach, added, “Have discipline in your daily activities. No vices, Rest if you may, sleep well, and eat the right kind of food. Most import, develop good relationship with God. Don’t forget to pray.”
Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Melicio Patague proudly mentioned the on going construction of world-class sports facilities in Binalonan initiated by Congressman Guico.
Having its first season 3 years ago with only three competing basketball teams, the 3rd season enlisted 18 competing teams including 4 college volleyball teams from various colleges and senior high schools in Pangasinan.
As mentioned by Coach Leopoldo Arnaiz, NLCAA tournament director and LGU Binalonan sports coordinator, the participating schools are University of Eastern Pangasinan, WCC Aeronautical and Technological College, Juan G. Macaraeg National High School, and San Felipe National High School of Binalonan; Pan Pacific University of North Luzon, Lyceum Northern Luzon, Urdaneta City University, and Urdaneta City National High School of Urdaneta; Lyceum Northwestern University of Dagupan Colegio, and San Juan de Letran of Manaoag.
Ildefonso, Congressman Guico, and Vice Mayor Patague did the ceremonial toss.