WOMEN’S Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) Commissioner Haydee Ong has set a bold objective as the league embarks on its inaugural year: to restore the glory of women’s basketball, a legacy that faded as the sport became male-dominated.

Basketball was initially introduced to the Philippines as a women’s sport. When the US brought the game to the Philippines in 1910, it was incorporated into the public school system to emulate its growing popularity in Western schools. 

However, as time passed, the spotlight shifted to men’s basketball, leaving female players on the sidelines for decades. 

Now, Ong is committed to reclaiming the sport’s original identity. 

“Remember sa history, ang women’s basketball ang unang naglaro sa Pilipinas hindi naman lalaki,” Ong told the Varsitarian. “So, we want to reclaim the sport, bring back the glory days of women’s basketball.”

“I hope ‘yong WMPBL will start this and create more leagues for women talaga.”

With the WMPBL set to secure its professional license from the Games and Amusement Board in June, Ong envisions the league as a platform to showcase the unrecognized talents of women in basketball.

This mission goes beyond just players. 

On its opening day on Jan. 19, the WMPBL will make history by fielding an all-female lineup on the sidelines — from commentators, table officials, courtside reporters, and even referees. 

“We’re giving a platform sa mga kababaihan because of WMPBL. Of course, we wanted to give more opportunities, more games,” Ong said. “We’ll make history tomorrow. Herstory.”

‘Full circle’

Although the WMPBL will be testing the waters during its first season, Ong assured fans that the league will be competitive. 

To achieve this, Ong has implemented measures to ensure fair and tight officiating. Referees will be grouped with each other, with each cluster being evaluated by the end of the elimination round. Coaches will also rate the officiating after every game. 

“It’s going to be fun entertainment,” Ong said. “Hindi panipisan ng pito. Pakapalan talaga ng pito dito.”

Six of the 14 collegiate, private, and local government-backed teams will compete on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. The tournament will have a single round-robin format.

With the WMPBL commencing and a professional basketball league for women in sight, Ong expressed fulfillment in seeing the growth of women’s basketball over the years.

“Ito ‘yong dream ko no’ng naglalaro pa ako e na magkaroon ng pro league,” she said. “At least ngayon, in full circle na ‘yong life ko as a player, as a coach, as athletic director.” 

“Ngayon naman as commissioner of the first WMPBL, very happy ako na ‘yong dreams na hindi namin nakamit noong panahon namin dati, ngayon for future generation e makakamit nila — ‘yong first pro league soon sa WMPBL.” with reports from Frenchshield Shayne G. Delovieres

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