Ilocos Norte kicks off inaugural NBTC Regional Championship

Published on: January 19, 2024By: Mariell J. Pahinag

The province of Ilocos Norte kicked off the prestigious first National Basketball Training Center (NBTC)-North Luzon Regional Championship with the first round of games played today, January 19 at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena.

NBTC is a premier basketball program managed by Coach Eric Altamirano, that delivers year-round training for high school players hailing from both public and private schools. The program features a nationwide basketball tournament, creating a platform for young talents to compete against some of the country's top players.

The hosting of the NBTC North Luzon Championship is part of Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc’s vision to provide a competitive stage for young Ilokano athletes to showcase their talents and compete at the highest level and turn Ilocos Norte into a premier “sports hub.”

Today's matchups feature Ilocos Norte, represented by INCAT-Laoag Basketball Ballers, facing off against PAOwer Kahit Saan from La Union province. 

Governor Marcos Manotoc expressed his gratitude and extended an invitation to everyon, saying, “Gusto ko lang pong imbitahan lahat po kayo hindi lang ang mga players kundi pati na rin ang inyong mga family and friends to come visit Ilocos Norte. We have so much to offer, and surely, you will enjoy. Thank you again to NBTC, and may we all enjoy this worthwhile event.”

NBTC program director Coach Altamirano also conveyed his appreciation, stating, “First of all, we are very thankful to the Governor for hosting the historic, first-ever regional championship of NBTC, and actually, everything has been easy for us.”

Altamirano added, “The governor's vision is truly to uplift basketball development for the players in Ilocos [Norte]. Hopefully, by organizing events like this, we can encourage many young people and players to aspire to become national players.”

18 teams from schools in Northern Luzon are competing for the championship in this tournament. The playing venues are located at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena, Laoag City Auditorium, and F.E. Marcos Mini-Cultural & Sports Center. These venues are well-equipped to showcase the skills and potentials of the participating teams.

The top four (4) teams of the regional championship will secure their spots in the National Finals, which will be held at SM Mall of Asia Arena from March 18 to 24.