Coaches and team representatives gathered for a crucial coordination meeting on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the Municipal Hall of Moalboal in Cebu. This meeting marked the final preparations for the highly anticipated 1st Calderon Cup Inter-town 21-Under basketball tournament.
Tournament Details and Host City
The municipality of Dumanjug has been selected as the host for this inaugural competition, which is set to commence on March 21, 2026. The event will feature eight local government units from the 7th District of Cebu Province, providing a platform for young athletes to demonstrate and enhance their basketball skills.
Team Participation and District Composition
The participating towns include Dumanjug, Ronda, Alcantara, Moalboal, Badian, Alegria, Malabuyoc, and Ginatilan. During the coordination meeting, all teams formally submitted their final rosters to meet the established deadline, ensuring a smooth start to the tournament.
Opening Ceremony and Official Attendance
The opening day will begin with a parade of all competing teams and their respective muses, followed by a brief program. Notable attendees will include 7th District Representative Patsy Calderon, along with mayors and officials from across the district, highlighting the event's significance in the community.
Tournament Structure and Prizes
The eight teams have been divided into Bracket A and Bracket B. Each bracket will engage in a double-round robin series during the elimination phase. The top team from each bracket will secure an automatic berth in the semifinals, while the second and third-place teams will compete in crossover quarterfinals to determine the remaining semifinalists.
In addition to trophies, cash prizes will be awarded to the winners of this two-month tournament. The event is a key component of Congresswoman Calderon's Grassroots Sports Development Program, aimed at fostering athletic talent at the local level.
Organizing Committee and Readiness
Christopher Co of Dumanjug expressed confidence in the host city's preparedness, emphasizing the tournament's role in youth development. The organizing committee is led by Atty. Ramil Abing, with Jun Migallen serving as commissioner and Rey Cañete as deputy commissioner, ensuring efficient management and execution of the event.