The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is partnering with Chooks-to-Go to help develop the country’s largest regional amateur basketball league.
The five-year agreement was officially unveiled at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong on Tuesday morning.
"Dahil ang MPBL ang tunay na tahanan ng mga Manok ng Bayan, we are committed to sponsor this league for five years," said Bounty Agro Ventures Inc. (BAVI) President Ronald Mascariñas.
Since 2016, Chooks-to-Go has been backing a number of athletes, sports, and league in its bid to help promote nationalism through sports. On the other hand, Pacquiao established the MPBL to give aspiring Filipino basketball players a new avenue to showcase his talent. The league started off with just 10 teams in its maiden season but has since ballooned to 31 squads, including the Cebu-Casino Ethyl Alcohol.
And with Chooks-to-Go on his side, Pacquiao is just glad to have a partner on his side to help grow his league.
"This is just the beginning of a strong and long partnership between the MPBL and Chooks-to-Go. We all know that Chooks-to-Go has been helping in sports development. Helping us is their way of helping a very successful business venture for me," Pacquiao said.
"As the father of the MPBL, I'm very happy that Chooks-to-Go has recognized the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League as a solid league with a bright future ahead of it. It is integral in MPBL's vision to be the league for every Filipino. And with you, we will be able to help more Filipinos."
Mascariñas, meanwhile, looks to use the MPBL's machinery to promote his mission, calling all the 31 teams to help them as well.
"It's not just me and Senator Manny, it's all of us. We hope that with this partnership, we will not just spread the values taught by basketball. Through winning or losing, we hope that each and every one of us promotes fair play through competition and, of course, love of country," he said.
"Having Chooks-to-Go and the MPBL together and combining their resources and talents will help the league be the best, if not the biggest league. It will also help the Filipino athlete showcase their talents and pursue a better life," said Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 league commissioner Eric Altamirano.