San Roque College de Cebu Officially Joins Cesafi as New Member
The Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) has welcomed a new school member, San Roque College de Cebu (SRCDC), marking a significant expansion of the league's roster. The approval of SRCDC's application was recently confirmed, with the institution set to participate in high school basketball as its initial step into the largest school-based competition in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.
Excitement and Welcome from Cesafi Leadership
In a statement, Cesafi Commissioner Felix Tiukonhoy Jr. expressed enthusiasm about the addition, saying, "We are excited to welcome San Roque College de Cebu into our sporting and academic community for the upcoming 2026-27 season. We look forward to the energy and talent your institution will bring to the league. Welcome to the Cesafi family!" This message was directed to SRCDC President Cesario Muñez, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the league.
Official Announcement and Press Conference Details
The official announcement was made during a press conference held at David's Tea House in City Time Square, Mandaue City, on Saturday, April 18, 2026. SRCDC leadership presented their plans to local sports media, confirming their entry into the high school basketball event under the team name SRCDC Greyhounds. This event served as a formal introduction to the sports community.
Gratitude and Vision from SRCDC President
Cesario Muñez, founder of SRCDC (formerly San Roque Child Development School) in 1992, expressed deep gratitude to Commissioner Tiukonhoy and the Cesafi Board, chaired by Atty. Gus Go, for providing this opportunity. Muñez emphasized that joining Cesafi represents a major advancement in the school's sports development program, with campuses in Liloan, Cordova, and Bogo City.
He explained, "We saw a reason to compete in a larger tournament," noting that this move aligns with their broader goals. Muñez also revealed plans to potentially join college basketball in the future, indicating a long-term commitment to athletic growth.
Coaching Staff and Team Objectives
To lead the Greyhounds, SRCDC has appointed young coach Jefferson Codera, with former Cebu Institute of Technology University (CITU) coach and athletic director Alecks de la Torre serving as team consultant. Muñez outlined the team's mission to support youth, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, through sports and academic integration.
He stressed that the program focuses not only on basketball but also on academic excellence, aiming to help students succeed in their studies. This holistic approach underscores SRCDC's dedication to comprehensive student development.
Coach Codera's Confidence and Recruitment Efforts
Jefferson Codera, who has over a decade of experience including involvement with the Golden State Warriors training camp in the NBA, acknowledged that the current Greyhounds players are relatively raw in terms of skill. However, he expressed confidence that with proper training, the team will be competitive by the start of their first Cesafi season.
Codera stated, "We'll see where this takes us. We just need to train well," highlighting his proactive role in scouting young talent from various parts of the country to build a strong roster. This recruitment strategy aims to enhance the team's capabilities over time.
Implications for Cesafi and Local Sports
The inclusion of SRCDC adds diversity and new energy to Cesafi, potentially increasing competition and fostering talent development in the region. As the 2026-27 season approaches, all eyes will be on the SRCDC Greyhounds as they embark on this new chapter in Cebu's sports landscape.
