AT LEAST 10 schools are set to welcome the new season of the Baguio–Benguet Educational Athletic League (BBEAL) when it opens its 33rd season on October 4 minus one of its members Kings College of the Philippines (KCP).
Season 33 host Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) together with nine other member schools will compete in nine sport event for the first phase including the tournament centerpiece basketball while 10 others will be played in the second semester.
However, KCP, which was admitted to the league in 2015, is taking a leave of absence this year due to lack of players according to technical committee member Eduardo Laureano of host CCDC.
Kings College, after being admitted as 11th member in season 29, hosted the league two years ago.
“All schools will be seeing action except for KCP because they have filed a leave,” said Laureano adding another school, which he refused to name is thinking of not competing in men’s basketball.
Aside from KCP, Pines City Colleges is also thinking of skipping the basketball tournament but Luareano said there is no final word on Pines yet.
Laureano added this year’s BBEAL opening will be simple yet memorable as it will focus on the camaraderie of athletes.
“Will be having a simple program. We’re thinking of having a boodle fight Cordillera style for all the participants of the BBEAL after the opening program,” he said.
Laureano added there will be no games after the opening for athletes to focus on the program but promised an action packed basketball games a day after at the CCDC gym.
University of Baguio will defend the men’s and women’s basketball competition.
Other members of the BBEAL are Baguio Central University, Baguio College of Technology, Benguet State University, Philippine Military Academy, University of the Cordilleras, University of the Philippines–Baguio, and Saint Louis University.