MANNY Pacquiao praised Haydee Ong for spearheading the inaugural Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball (WMPBL) season, which tipped off at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion (QPav) on Sunday.
Pacquiao, who founded the MPBL in 2017, said Ong was the perfect fit for the commissioner role in the league’s women’s counterpart, citing her dedication to elevating women’s hoops as key to taking the WMPBL to greater heights.
“Coach Haydee is a dedicated person and passionate sa basketball, so bagay sa kaniya maging commissioner para ma-guide niya lahat ng mga babaeng manlalaro natin at masuportahan niya, matulungan niya,” Pacquiao told the Varsitarian.
“Malaki pa ‘yong mararating ng WMPBL kasi masipag si commissioner. Parang trial pa lang ito at ang dami na agad niyang nakuhang team — 14. Maganda ‘yong leadership niya,” the boxer-turned-politician added.
In the league’s historic maiden game at the QPav, the UST Growling Tigresses, coached by Ged Austria, defeated Discovery Perlas, 82-67.
The PSY Gymers edged out the Imus Magdalo, 73-70, in the second game, while the New Zealand Bluefire Valkyries survived the TOL Patriots, 54-51, to close out opening day.
Pacquiao expressed hopes that the WMPBL could reach a larger audience in the future. Ong said she plans to achieve this by offering free admission to games and live-streaming matches online and on television.
READ: WMPBL to offer free admissions, live-streamed games in inaugural season
As the newly formed league proceeds through its maiden season, Pacquiao said the ultimate goal is for the WMPBL to become a recurring league, achieving the same level of success as the MPBL.
“Kung paano natin in-organize ‘yong MPBL, ganoon din sa WMPBL. With our active commissioner, masipag, e marami pang mararating ang WMPBL,” Pacquiao said. “Sana abangan niyo lang.” with reports from Frenchshield Shayne G. Delovieres