BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur – Basketball enthusiasts, including some from as far as Cagayan de Oro, have begun arriving for what’s being called the largest intercollegiate tournament outside Metro Manila.

“We’re now in Gingoog. We’ll be there probably by seven o’clock to catch up the first two games,” Oro player Marco Antonio Arbole, accompanied by fellow San Beda Red Lions alumnus Jover Padilla, told Gold Star Daily.

“Patsada kini nga inter-collegiate kay each team has five or more Bisdak or Visayan-speaking athletes from the Visayas and Mindanao sama kanamo sa una, ang uban nanga PBA na,” Arbole added via mobile phone.

Bayugan City, known as the “cut-flower capital” of Agusan del Sur, is approximately a six-hour drive from Cagayan de Oro.

WE’RE IN GOOD HANDS. Speaking on behalf of Bayugan City Mayor Kirk A. Asis, City Councilor Balong Salvan reassures participants of a safe and orderly staging of basketball event in Bayugan. Photo by Lynde Salgados

Defending champion Adamson University, former team of Cagayan de Oro standout point guard Ramil Tagupa, will headline the four-day “2025 Mayor Kirk Asis Open basketball tournament” at the Lope Asis Memorial Gymnasium.

The five-team, four-day competition, which boasts nearly P1 million in total cash prizes, also includes the Letran Knights, FEU Tamaraws, University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, and JRU Heavy Bombers.

Adamson University Soaring Falcons, coached by Nash Racela and backed by ARQ Builders, will face a strong challenge from the UST Growling Tigers/WengBurs Apartelle, coached by Pido Jarencio, in the 8:30 pm nightcap.

PRESENCE FELT. The returning FEU Tamaraws finding out their seats on Wednesday night’s press conference at the city mayor's residence. Photo by Lynde Salgados

The FEU Tamaraws/MAIR Construction and General Merchandise will play newcomer Letran Knights/Bustamante Construction, coached by Allen Ricardo, in the 7 pm opener, following an exhibition game between the team coaches and the Bayugan City.

Also making their first appearance, like Letran, are the rookie-laden JRU Heavy Bombers/Vincare Pharma, coached by Nani Epondulan. The Heavy Bombers have pledged to give their best in the event, which serves as preparation for the upcoming UAAP and NCAA seasons.

“Bayugan City Basketball Tournament is one of the best dinhe sa Mindanao. Quality kaayo, competitive and high level. Ang mga tao dili gusto gubot, ang ila nga mapakita sa mga players ilang abilidad sa dula,” said Oro player Romeo Rempillo, a former coaching staff member for Letran Knights Season 100, who now lives in Leyte province.