NegrosOcc to host NBTC Visayas Reg’l Championship

Following the successful launching of the ABANSE NEGRENSE – NBTC Basketball League Local Qualifying Tournaments for North Negros, South Negros, and Central Negros Clusters, the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental is set to host the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) Visayas Regional Championship for the 2023 – 2024 Season this February.

The tournament will feature champion teams from various cities and provinces in the Visayas Region.

The hosting came after NBTC Program Director Coach Frederick “Eric” Altamirano visited the province when he graced the opening ceremony of the ABANSE NEGRENSE – NBTC Basketball League Central Negros Local Qualifying Tournament on January 13, 2024. Altamirano invited Governor Eugenio Jose V. Lacson to host the NBTC Visayas Regional Championship, which the latter accepted.

Sixteen Local Qualifying Champions from various provinces and cities including Cebu, Bohol, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Roxas, Antique, Guimaras, Aklan, Ormoc, Tacloban/Leyte, Eastern Samar, Calbayog, and Negros Occidental are set to compete in the tournament.

Apart from the Visayas Regional Championship, other regional tournaments will also be held in South Luzon, North Luzon, and Mindanao. The winning teams will advance to the National Finals at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in March.

For 14 years, NBTC has successfully fostered aspiring athletes and helping them realize their dreams of playing for top collegiate, professional leagues (both locally and internationally), and national teams. Embodying the vision to “Develop Skills, Build Character, and Raise Leaders,” NBTC has produced notable alumni including Kiefer Ravena, Troy Rosario, Baser Amer, Scottie Thompson, and Jeron Teng.

NBTC, which is spearheaded by Altamirano, is considered the biggest grassroots program endorsed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for basketball players aged 16 – 19.

Meanwhile, the ABANSE NEGRENSE – NBTC Basketball League North Negros, Central Negros, and South Negros Local Qualifying tournaments will continue in Manapla, Montalbo Court, and Pontevedra, respectively. Below is the schedule of games for this weekend.

The ABANSE NEGRENSE – NBTC Basketball League and the NBTC Visayas Regional Championship are part of the collaboration between the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental and NBTC. The tournaments are led by Governor Bong Lacson and Coach Eric Altamirano.* (Provincial Sports Office)