The Davao Eagles, who secured the Davao Region’s first-ever secondary boys basketball gold medal at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte, will resume training on Monday, June 9, to prepare for the 14th Asean Schools Games (ASG) in Brunei.
Head coach Jess Linus Evangelio confirmed this to SunStar Davao on the evening of Tuesday, June 3. He said the team will intensify their preparations.
(If we gave our all in practice representing Region 11 at Palaro, how much more will we push ourselves now that we represent the whole country?),” Evangelio said during an afternoon press conference held at the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) training and media center.
Earlier that day, AdDU President Fr. Karel San Juan recognized the team’s accomplishment. He praised the Eagles for defeating top teams during their undefeated Palaro run.
San Juan also presented tokens of appreciation to the players and coaches, which they gratefully accepted.
"We made history. They inspired a generation. Padayon, Davao Eagles. Congratulations!," he said.
Evangelio expressed his gratitude, saying,
Rene Clert Baterbona, the 2025 Palaro secondary boys basketball Most Valuable Player (MVP), shared his thoughts on the win.
"Di ko akalain ako pala maging finals MVP (I didn't expect that I would become the finals MVP)," the Agusan del Sur native said.
(I feel blessed to have become the MVP. Being MVP isn’t just for me—it’s also for my team, my coaches, the parents, and especially my parents)."
As the Eagles’ popularity grows on social media, team captain Sebastian Joseph Laroya said, “We are happy that people are proud of us for bringing home the gold for Davao. We always stay humble and keep our feet on the ground.”
Evangelio echoed this sentiment, saying, "Nasa taas kami ngayon, always stay humble, dun kami nag-gugrow at gumagaling (We're at the top now, but always stay humble—that’s where we grow and improve)."
San Juan also acknowledged the vital support from AdDU parents, Mark Anthony and Johanna Jane Cayetano, who sponsored scholarships covering education, training, and accommodation for some players. He also recognized the efforts of AdDU athletes’ parents, led by president Melani Redulla, and parent Haneli Laroya, who helps ensure the players maintain their academic performance.
Assistant coaches were Martin Maningo, Michael Alquiza, and Nathaniel Sencho. MLSA