SBP Zone 7 Elevates Basketball Officiating in Southern Negros Through Referees Accreditation Workshop

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), through the SBP Technical Academy and SBP Zone 7, successfully concluded the Referees Accreditation Workshop – Southern Negros Leg on July 18–19, 2026 at the Kabankalan City Sports and Cultural Center (K-Center), gathering 140 aspiring and active basketball officials in one of the largest referee education programs conducted in Southern Negros.

Organized in partnership with the City Government of Kabankalan, the two-day workshop forms part of SBP’s continuing commitment to develop competent, knowledgeable, and internationally aligned basketball officials while making high-quality technical education more accessible to local communities outside the country’s major urban centers.

The workshop was facilitated by SBP Technical Academy Accreditors and FIBA Referees Joenard Garcia and Dominique Pomar, who led participants through an intensive program covering the latest FIBA Official Basketball Rules, mechanics, positioning, game management, officiating philosophy, communication, decision-making, and practical on-court applications.

Through a combination of classroom discussions, video analysis, examinations, and court exercises, participants were equipped with the knowledge and skills expected of modern basketball officials. Beyond learning the technical aspects of officiating, the workshop reinforced the critical role referees play in preserving the integrity of the game. Participants were challenged to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, fairness, discipline, and consistency — qualities that remain fundamental to the continued growth of Philippine basketball.

The successful staging of the Southern Negros leg reflects SBP’s continuing efforts to decentralize referee education and ensure that aspiring officials in the provinces are given equal opportunities to receive national-level instruction and accreditation. By bringing these programs directly to local communities, SBP continues to strengthen the foundation of basketball development while creating pathways for provincial referees to advance within the national officiating program.

Leading these initiatives in the region is SBP Zone 7, which has remained steadfast in expanding technical development programs across the Negros Island Region. Through close collaboration with local government units, educational institutions, and basketball stakeholders, the Zone continues to create opportunities that develop not only athletes and coaches, but also the technical officials whose expertise is essential to every level of competition.

The success of the workshop was made possible through the invaluable partnership of the City Government of Kabankalan, whose unwavering support underscores its commitment to grassroots sports development and capacity building. Under the leadership of Mayor Benjie M. Miranda, and through the efforts of SBP Provincial Director for Negros Occidental Mark Jomalesa, the city welcomed participants from various local government units and basketball organizations, providing an environment conducive to learning, collaboration, and professional growth.

SBP Zone 7 also expressed its sincere appreciation to Sports Consultant Augustine Rey F. Rivas, Sports Development Unit Head Coach Alain Tata Maravilla, and the dedicated staff of the City Sports Development Unit for their hard work and coordination in ensuring the smooth and successful conduct of the two-day program. Their commitment to advancing sports education continues to create meaningful opportunities for local officials and contributes significantly to raising the standard of basketball officiating in the region.

The momentum continues as SBP Technical Academy and SBP Zone 7 bring the Referees Accreditation Workshop to Negros Oriental for the next leg of the program on July 25–26, 2026, at Foundation University in Dumaguete City. The activity will be conducted in collaboration with the City Government of Dumaguete and SBP Provincial Director for Negros Oriental, Dr. Dinno Depositario, further extending SBP’s mission of developing highly competent basketball officials throughout Zone 7.

As basketball continues to grow across the country, initiatives such as the Referees Accreditation Workshop reaffirm SBP’s belief that the future of the sport depends not only on talented players and coaches, but also on well-trained, principled, and highly capable officials who uphold the integrity of every game. Through sustained education, collaboration, and strong partnerships with local government units, SBP remains committed to build a stronger basketball ecosystem that supports excellence, integrity, and the continued advancement of Philippine basketball.

Local government units and basketball stakeholders interested in hosting the SBP Technical Academy Referees Accreditation Workshop may submit a formal letter of request to the SBP Zone 7 office or send their request via email at zone7.sbp@gmail.com.*