Southern Cebu Gears Up for Calderon Cup 21-Under Basketball Tournament
Sports coordinators representing the respective towns in the 7th District of Cebu province gathered for a crucial coordination meeting with organizers of the Calderon Cup 21-Under Basketball Tournament. The meeting took place at the Moalboal Municipal Hall on Friday, January 23, 2026, setting the stage for an exciting grassroots sports initiative.
Tournament Details and Participating Municipalities
Hardwood action is poised to heat up across southern Cebu with the official launch of the 1st Calderon Cup 21-Under Inter-town Basketball Tournament. The competition is scheduled to commence on March 21, 2026, marking a significant event in the region's sporting calendar.
Eight municipalities from Cebu's Seventh District have officially confirmed their participation in this two-month-long basketball encounter. The tournament is designed to bolster the Grassroots Sports Development program spearheaded by Cebu 7th District Representative Patsy Calderon.
The primary objective of the Calderon Cup is to scout and develop local basketball talent from across the district. The teams representing their respective local government units (LGUs) include:
- Dumanjug
- Ronda
- Alcantara
- Moalboal
- Badian
- Malabuyoc
- Ginatilan
- Alegria
Competition Format and High-Stakes Structure
The participating squads will be divided into two competitive groups: Bracket A and Bracket B. To ensure that every game carries significant weight and excitement, the organizing committee has established a thrilling high-stakes format.
During the elimination round, each bracket will engage in a double round-robin format, providing ample opportunities for teams to showcase their skills. The top-seeded teams from each bracket, designated as A1 and B1, will automatically clinch a coveted spot in the semifinals.
The battle for the remaining semifinal slots will be fiercely contested by the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds from opposing brackets through a cross-over playoff system. This setup guarantees intense matchups and strategic gameplay throughout the tournament.
In the semifinal round, the early qualifiers (A1 and B1) will face the winners of the quarterfinal matches in a knockout format. These decisive matches will determine which teams advance to the best-of-three championship series, promising nail-biting basketball action.
Prizes, Awards, and Broader Sports Development
Beyond the prestige of being crowned the inaugural champions of the Calderon Cup, the winning team will take home impressive trophies and substantial cash prizes. Individual awards will also be presented to players who demonstrate exceptional skill and performance on the court.
Notable recognitions include the Mythical Five selection, the Season's Most Valuable Player (MVP), and the Finals MVP award. These accolades aim to highlight outstanding talent and motivate young athletes to excel.
As part of a comprehensive grassroots sports development program, Congresswoman Patsy Calderon revealed ambitious plans to expand sporting opportunities for the youth of the Seventh District. She announced that additional tournaments for volleyball, tennis, football, and other sporting events are also in the works. This initiative underscores a commitment to fostering athletic talent and promoting healthy competition across various disciplines.
The Calderon Cup represents more than just a basketball tournament; it is a cornerstone of community engagement and youth development in southern Cebu. With meticulous planning and enthusiastic participation from local governments, this event is set to become a highlight of the region's sporting landscape.
