SBP Strengthens Presence in NIR, Appoints Tony Agustin as Zone 7 Director

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) continues to reinforce its grassroots and regional development efforts with the appointment of Anthony Carlo Agustin as Zone 7 Director, overseeing the Negros Island Region – Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijoras.

The appointment, made by SBP Executive Director Erika Dy and effective February 1, 2026, positions Agustin as a direct extension of the Executive Director’s Office in the region, ensuring that national programs are felt, implemented, and sustained at the regional and provincial levels.

Agustin’s designation forms part of SBP’s nationwide restructuring initiative aimed at strengthening basketball development across the Philippines. Under the new structure, the country is divided into fourteen (14) zones, each led by a Zone Director tasked with implementing key programs such as talent identification and player development, coaching education, technical training, and flagship competitions including the SBP National Junior Championships and SBP Pambansang Tatluhan.

Building a Strong Zone 7 Leadership Team

Recognizing the broad scope and to ensure focused leadership and effective implementation of SBP programs across the Negros Island Region, Agustin has established a clear and disciplined leadership structure, anchored by three Assistant Zone Directors who lead the region’s core development pillars.

Spearheading Talent Identification and Player Development, Agustin appointed Dexter P. Dy as the Assistant Zone Director for the said core program. Dy, a highly respected grassroots leader and veteran basketball mentor, brings decades of experience in team management, coaching, and player scouting.

Leading Technical Development, on the other hand, is Venancio “Benny” M. Lachica, an SBP National Referee from Negros Occidental. Lachica oversees officiating standards, technical training, and competition integrity across Zone 7, ensuring alignment with national rules, systems, and best practices.

At the forefront of Coaches Development is Coach Patrick Nicholas “Nico” D. Lopingco, appointed as Assistant Zone Director for Coaches Development. Lopingco brings years of coaching and leadership experience. His appointment underscores SBP’s commitment to systematic coach education and long-term capacity building.

Provincial Leadership: Negros Occidental

Serving as SBP Provincial Director for Negros Occidental is Coach Mark S. Jomalesa, a seasoned basketball figure with deep roots in collegiate, semi-professional, and professional basketball. A former coach of the West Negros University men’s basketball team, Jomalesa led the squad to the NOPSSCEA championship crown, cementing his reputation as a winning mentor and program builder. As Provincial Director, Jomalesa anchors SBP’s programs in Negros Occidental, translating zonal and national directives into on-the-ground action.

Apart from the Provincial Director, Agustin also appointed Provincial Coordinators for each specific SBP core program. These coordinators will work closely with the Zone Director and provide support and assistance to the designated Assistant Zone Directors for each core program, while maintaining strong coordination with the Provincial Director.

• Bernard Suante, Jr., a former champion player and seasoned coach, is the Head Coach of the Bleacher Roadstar Transits teams and was appointed as the Provincial Coordinator for Talent Identification and Player Development. In this role, he leads grassroots discovery efforts and supports the competitive progression of emerging athletes.
• Coach Edwin John Dennis “Denden” C. Velez is Provincial Coordinator for Coaches Development, advancing continuous learning, certification, and mentorship for local coaches. With decades of experience across collegiate, high school, and national programs, he heads the Bacolod Tay Tung High School Aspirants, steering the team to titles in the Milo Passerelle Division, NYBL on Tour NIR Leg 15 Under, and NYBL Global Cup 15 Under. He also led the New Era University Junior Hunters to back-to-back NAASCU Juniors Division championships (2023–2024) and coached Philippine teams to gold at the ASEAN School Games, reflecting a strong record in player development and competitive excellence.
• Christopher M. Lofranco, Principal II of Cauayan II-B Elementary School, serves as Provincial Coordinator for Technical Development. A long-time Provincial Tournament Director in Basketball since 2009, and Regional Assistant Tournament Director for WVRAA from 2020 to 2024, he assumes the role of Regional Tournament Director for the NIRAA Meet beginning 2025. As an active member of SBP and DEBRA, he strengthens the link between school-based sports and national competition standards.

Meanwhile, appointments for Negros Oriental and Siquijor are currently underway, ensuring a fully integrated regional network.

Advancing SBP’s Mission in the Negros Island Region

As the Philippines’ recognized national basketball federation, SBP continues to champion its mission of developing and promoting basketball nationwide while inspiring communities and building opportunities for Filipino youth.

Guided by its core values of Excellence, Integrity, Leadership, Growth Mindset, and Malasakit, SBP envisions becoming Asia’s premier basketball program and a global competitor, while making high-quality basketball opportunities accessible across the country.

For Zone 7, Agustin’s strategic direction reflects the rich basketball culture of the Negros Island Region, balancing strong governance, technical excellence, and grassroots reach.

“The appointment of assistant zone directors allows us to implement programs more effectively, coordinate across provinces, and align closely with SBP’s national vision,” Agustin shared. “Our goal is to build a unified pathway for every young athlete in the region – one rooted in opportunity, integrity, and love for the game.”

Under his leadership, SBP Zone 7 aims not only to sustain the federation’s legacy but to elevate it by nurturing talent, empowering coaches, and creating clear development pathways for the next generation of Filipino basketball players.

Batang Gilas Tryouts Set to Spotlight Visayas Talent

One of Agustin’s first major initiatives as Zone 7 Director is the shortlisting and mobilization of athletes for the Batang Gilas Youth National Team Tryouts in Cebu City this February — a critical step in identifying the country’s future national team prospects.

The Visayas tryouts will take place on February 21 and 22, featuring two age groups: Under 18 (born 2008–2009) and Under 16 (born 2010–2011).

The process will unfold in two stages: on the morning of February 21 (7:00 AM – 12:00 NN) at the Magnum Sports Complex, open tryouts will welcome all aspiring players eager to showcase their skills.

Later that day, from 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the USC Gym, and continuing the following morning on February 22 (8:00 AM – 12:00 NN), selected players will participate in invitation-only sessions. Each zone will submit a shortlist of 10 to 12 standout athletes per age group to advance directly to these focused evaluations. (All tryout expenses will be shouldered by participating players.)

SBP Technical Academy Visit

SBP Technical Academy Head Mr. Andrew Teh visited Agustin and the SBP Zone 7 headquarters on February 10, 2026, meeting with the appointed assistant regional directors and provincial coordinators. His visit was also part of an ocular inspection in preparation for the potential hosting of the FIBA U-18 Asia Cup games in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. The engagement provided an opportunity to align local programs and infrastructure with national standards, ensuring readiness for international competition.

Strengthening Grassroots Basketball Development

With the federation’s new restructuring initiative, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Zone 7 commits to putting forward its best efforts to further organize, implement, promote, and develop grassroots basketball programs across the region. Through strengthened collaboration with local government units, partner schools, the Department of Education, and various local ballclubs, leagues, and sports associations, SBP Zone 7 aims to build a more unified and sustainable basketball development system.

This collective effort reflects the federation’s dedication to discovering and nurturing young talent, expanding opportunities for aspiring athletes, and fostering a stronger basketball culture that will shape the future of the sport in the region.* (ACA)