A LEARNING institution based in Lamitan City, Basilan province is scouting for volleyball athletes, both for men and women’s team.
On Friday, August 1, 2025, officials of the Hardam Furigay Colleges Foundation Inc. (HFCFI) and B-Steel Sports Promotions (BSSP) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with volleyball coach Ariel Dela Cruz to organize formidable teams for men and women for HFCFI.
The other MOA signatories are HFCFI president Inee Flores, and Osbert Malinao, BSSP vice president for operations.
“Today will be the start of the development of volleyball sports in Basilan and eventually here in Zamboanga City,” Malinao said in a press conference during the MOA signing.
Under the agreement, the HFCFI will grant scholarships to members of the school’s volleyball teams, while the BSSP will handle the promotions, including travel expenses of the teams and stipend of the athletes.
Both teams — men and women — will be coached by Dela Cruz, who is known for his time leading the San Beda University Red Spikers’ men’s volleyball team in the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Qualified to join the volleyball team of HFCFI are freshmen and transferees aged 28 to 23. They must be enrolled with the school.
“This partnership represents a shared commitment to foster the growth of our athletes and promoting excellence in sports,” Flores said.
“HFCFI will provide educational scholarship to the athletes and to ensure them they have opportunity to build a strong foundation for their future whether they continue their athletic careers or venturing to other fields,” she added.
Malinao said the partnership will also provide an avenue to find grassroots talents in volleyball not only in Lamitan and Zamboanga City, but in nearby areas as well.
He is optimistic that they can have formidable teams to participate in Private Schools Athletic Association (Prisaa), State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (Scuaa), and other volleyball competitions. (SunStar Zamboanga)