By Vhioly Rosatazo
MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan — The ACBL Intertown Makata Cup officially opened its third season on February 21, 2026, drawing a large and energetic crowd and reaffirming Bulacan’s reputation as a hotbed of grassroots basketball talent.
Now on its biggest run yet, the Makata Cup features 62 teams competing across three divisions, with players representing 23 towns in the province. Organizers described this year’s tournament as bigger, more competitive, and more exciting than previous seasons.
Vice Governor Alex Castro led the opening ceremonies and underscored the provincial government’s commitment to sports development.
“We want to have more sports programs in Bulacan—not only basketball, but other sports as well,” Castro said, stressing the importance of giving athletes of all ages opportunities to grow and excel.
He also acknowledged the support of Governor Daniel F. Fernando, citing the administration’s continued backing of sports initiatives across the province.
Media outfits Imbistigador Plus News and Masid News, which covered the event, noted the strong turnout and the high level of enthusiasm inside the venue, highlighting the tournament’s importance to both players and local communities.
Castro expressed gratitude to officials who attended the opening, including Francis Zamora, Christian Natividad, and Bulacan board member Sunshine Garcia Castro, for their support of the league.
The vice governor emphasized that the Makata Cup serves as a launching pad for aspiring athletes, pointing to former league standouts who have gone on to play in national competitions, including the Philippine Basketball Association and the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
“This is a great venue to showcase your talent and be discovered by teams in other leagues,” he said.
Beyond competition, officials said the Makata Cup helps strengthen unity in Bulacan, bringing together local governments, sponsors, athletes, and fans. The parade of muses, presence of local leaders, and overwhelming crowd support highlighted the tournament’s role as a major community event in the province.
