PHILHEALTH will not be only known for catering to the people’s health benefit programs or the National Health Insurance Act but the “King of Hoops” as well in this northern side of Mindanao.

Without giving much of a fight in other featured events, Philhealth went on to dominate basketball in thrilling fashion to share the spotlight during the awarding ceremonies of the 1st Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy Inter-Agency Sports Festival held recently at the City Tourism Hall of Cagayan de Oro.

HARD-NOSED DEFENSE. Philhealth guard Ramil Tagupa is seen here trying to defend City Hall’s scoring machine Jun Daanoy during the championship round of the Inter-Agency hoop fest. Photo courtesy of City Information Office

Almost eliminated by Misamis Oriental Team B in the crossover round where they rallied from a five-point deficit in the last two minutes, the veteran Philhealth cagers came back stronger in the championship round with an intact roster to rout Misamis Oriental Team A, 105-72.

“I was quite puzzled nga ila ‘ming gi-full court press sa depensa when they have slow-moving guards na dali ra ma-overcome. Dadto sila nabentahaan,” Philhealth coach Jaymar Rivera told Gold Star Daily.

The Philhealth team in the Open Age category encountered a rough sailing against the Jun Daanoy-led host Cagayan de Oro. But survive they did, 91-89 to celebrate a double-whammy victory.

Jayson ‘Bhoyet’ Alfeche and Ramil Tagupa were adjudged as Most Valuable Players (MVPs) in the 45-up and Open age brackets, respectively.

BACK IN THE LIMELIGHT. Former Liceo star player Jayson Alfeche bags the MVP trophy for Philhealth with Misamis Oriental board member Gerardo Sabal III and city administrator Atty. Hilario Roy Raagas applauds. Photo by Lynde Salgados

“We’re so thankful to boss Delio Aseron II sa pagsalig. Naka first runner-up sab ang Philhealth in badminton and third runner-up in the 40-up women’s volleyball,” added Rivera.

The sharp-shooting Aseron, who is regional vice president of Philhealth, also played alongside the agency’s collection section head Khalid Asum, LHIO CdeO head Marlon Arrabaca, Owen Ubay-ubay, Paul Moreno, Edmund Tilap, Chippy Yacapin, Marlon Balaba, Rex Maglangit and Alfeche in the 45-up rivalry.

While Tagupa drew abled support from Macmac Labares, Shawn Recabo, Jim Custan, Paul Siarot, Ind Cabrezos, Ranz Nuñez, Randy Pagon, and Dexter Latosa in the Open Age division.

City Hall won the women’s final in basketball, outlasting the PNP side, 53-33 to also earn the P50,000 top purse and the championship trophy.