source: gmanews.tv

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) divided the Mindanao region into three separate cluster groups to make it more effective with its development program in the country.

The SBP recently held a regional consultancy meeting at the Pryce Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City where the changes in the regional set-up where discussed.

The Mindanao Basketball Region (MBR) is now divided into MBR A, B and C where the SBP grouped the cities and provinces based on their proximity from the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Zamboanga.

"We will now have to hold regional eliminations in the three areas with the champion of Cagayan, Davao and Zamboanga area advancing to the National Finals," said SBP executive director Noli Eala.

But the new set-up awaits for the SBP board’s approval.

Others who attended the meeting were SBP deputy executive director Bernie Atienza and newly-appointed MBR A, B an C directors Jigs Jaraula (Cagayan de Oro City), Regino "Boy" Cua (Davao City) and Pedro Alfaro (Zamboanga City).

Joining Cagayan de Oro in MBR A are Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Iligan, Agusan del Norte and Sugirao del Norte with Davao City, Davao province, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, General Santos City, Cotabato province, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur are clustered in MBR B.

MBR C, which will have Zamboanga City as the main hub, is composed of Pagadian City, Sibugay, Basilan, Jolo, Sulu, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur.

"The new regional set-up is much better for us here in Mindanao," said MBR C director Alfaro.

Eala said The SBP is also planning to follow the same pattern in Luzon where it will be divided into the upper and lower region. "I think we should make these changes if we want to further develop our basketball programs."

Mindanao will now have their regional championships with the winner advancing to the national finals. The SBP will also appoint new provincial or area coordinators based on the regional directors’ recommendations.

Aside from holding referees clinics, the SBP has also lined up the National Juniors Championships, SBP 33 (3-on-3) Basketball Tournament, National Inter-Collegiate Championship Under-22 for Men and Women and Pinoy Hoops Basketball Clinic this year.