Deputy Speaker and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman lauded the Basilan Steel cagers for winning Game 1 of their semifinal bout against the Davao Occidental Tigers in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Cup last Mar. 9 in Davao City.
“By going the extra mile and getting this far, each and every member of the Basilan Steel basketball team is already a champion in the hearts of every Basileño,” said Hataman.
“Much like our province where the team gets its name, the story of Basilan Steel is one of unfaltering perseverance against seemingly insurmountable odds. Kung nasubaybayan niyo ang mga laro ng Basilan, makikita niyo kung gaano kalaki ang mga puso ng mge manlalaro sa aming team,” Hataman, one avid supporter of Basilan Steel, said.
“At napatunayan ito ng mga nakaraang laro ng Basilan. Out of 31 teams, only four is left. Kahit na mukhang talo na, kahit sa isip ng mga tao na mahirap nang manalo, may pag-asa pa rin kung magpupursige. Ganyan din ang kwento ng aming lalawigan, pareho ng istorya ng Basilan Steel,” he added.
This is the second season of Basilan Steel in the MPBL, where it placed third to the last during the last one. The team was organized in the hope of redefining negative perceptions against Basilan through basketball.
“This is part of our efforts to re-establish Basilan as a vibrant province that has a world of beautiful things to offer: its rich cultural diversity, the warm hospitality of its people, and the stunning natural landscapes and tourist spots, among others,” Hataman expressed.
“And I am happy that it is working. Madami nang games ng MPBL ang ginanap dito. Celebrities like Manny Pacquiao and Gerald Anderson even went here together with the teams to support MPBL. These are manifestations that our efforts to present a peaceful Basilan are a success,” he said.
Game 2 of the best-of-three semifinals will be held in the Lamitan City Gym in Basilan, a homecourt advantage.
“Representing Basilan in a national league serves as a unifying factor for Basileños. It is good to see that Basileños all over the Philippines and world are rallying behind one team. And this proves that we can also rally and achieve greater visions for the province in terms of development,” said the former governor of the now-defunct ARMM.
“Basilan Steel isn’t just about basketball. It is about the people of Basilan trying to reclaim its old glory. Pero para sa akin, pareho nang winner ang Basilan Steel at Davao Occidental Tigers. Kahit sinuman ang manalo sa kanila, sigurado tayong taga-Mindanao ang team na papasok sa national finals. May the best team win,” Hataman said.