DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Students of Magallanes Central Elementary School and the children of the employees of the Bureau of Customs here joined the Bureau of Customs Hoop Clinic with retired PBA players, Kenneth Duremdes and Marlou Aquino.
The children were coached on footwork, passing, dribbling, shooting and stealing exercises.
The children were also given the basic discipline in playing basketball.
Duremdes, nicknamed Captain Marvel, hailed from Koronadal City in South Cotabato. Duremdes played for Sunkist Orange Juicers in 1995, Alaska Milkmen in 1998 and Sta Lucia Realtors in 2003.
In 2000, Duremdes made it to PBA’s 25 Greatest Player’s List.
Meanwhile, Marlou “The Skyscraper” Aquino played for the Ginebra Kings in 1996. In 2000 he played for the Sta. Lucia Realtors. He was among the players of the RP National Team in 1994 and 1998 and was awarded the PBA Governors Cup Best Player of the Conference in 1997.
In a message, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio addressed the children, telling them to look at the basketball heroes as their inspiration.
“To the children who are here today, you have all been blessed with varying skill levels, but what this basketball clinic is trying to determine is your willpower and determination to follow your dream – and this applies to both your basketball dreams and your other pursuits. So, look to your basketball heroes – two of whom are here with you for this clinic, PBA legends Kenneth Duremdes and Marlou Aquino – for inspiration; but remember, the ball, as they say, is in your court; as such, it will still be your efforts that will spell the difference,” she said.
She said the clinic is a “great way to encourage young Dabawenyos to engage in sports and other physical development activities for their holistic development, and learn lessons that will teach them logical thinking, versatility, and critical analysis, as well as the values of perseverance, discipline, and self-confidence.”
Atty. Erastus Sandino Austria, District Collector of the Port of Davao, said the event is part of their social responsibility.
“It is our way of connecting with the community,” he said in a statement Monday.
Coll. Rhea Gregorio, District Collector of the Port of Manila; and Thelma Almario, former Congresswoman of Davao Oriental attended the event to support the children.
After the clinic, BOC—Port of Davao team played against the BOC Transformers and Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc (CCBI) basketball team.
The Davao team championed over the Transformers with the score of 87-83 after losing against the CCBI team. (davaotoday.com)
