The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) was one of three select entities honored in the inaugural LaLiga’s Heroes Off the Pitch Awards at the Fairmont Hotel recently.
The 47-year-old league was cited following its collaboration with TikTok and Rain or Shine on the refurbishment of the Daungan Cuatro Project in Navotas City last December.
Commissioner Willie Marcial and marketing director Jo Francisco received the award in behalf of the PBA.
“In behalf of the PBA family, I would like to thank LaLiga for this award. We’d like to share this award with TikTok and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. If not for them we couldn’t have done refurbishing the basketball court at Daungan Cuatro in Navotas,” said Marcial in his brief acceptance speech.
The Spanish football league put up the event as a way of recognizing efforts within the sports industry as they give back to the communities.
LaLiga cited the PBA for its exceptional work on community building work by promoting sports and camaraderie as well as inspiring the youth to achieve their dreams.
“Your dedication to giving back to the community through the use of sports has truly made a positive impact, and we are proud to recognize your efforts,” it said.
“The selection committee was impressed by the innovative approach and commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and community engagement through sports. The project serves as a shining example of how sports initiative can have a meaningful and lasting impact on the community.”
Sharing the limelight with Asia’s pioneering pro league was the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) through the men and women’s football.
Gawad Kalinga and the US Embassy in Manila were recognized for men’s football behind ‘Project SPORTS LEAD: Climate Change Awareness Through Soccer,’ where children are educated about the effects of the climate crisis through the sport.
For women’s football, the Pinoy 5: Liga Eskwela project done in partnership with the Moran Foundation, MVP Group Foundation, and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) was recognized.
Almudena Gomez, LaLiga delegate to the Philippines, led the Spanish league in recognizing the special awardees
