By MARK REY MONTEJO

Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and basketball legends Robert Jaworski and Ramon Fernandez are among the Filipino sporting greats set to be feted in the 2023 Philippine Professional Sports Summit at the PICC in Pasay City on Saturday, Sept. 30.

Pacquiao leads the recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award in boxing and contact sports along with fellow former world champion Donnie Nietes while Jaworski, Fernandez and late legendary coach Baby Dalupan are set to be honored for basketball.

Billiards legends Efren "Bata" Reyes and Django Bustamante will receive the same award along with Rolando Luzong (Cockfighting), Moe Ghucani (Cycling), Aldrin Pangan (ESports), Mario Siodina and Frankie Miñoza (Golf), and Bruce McTavish, Brandon Vera and Eduard Folayang (contact sports).

Games and Amusement Board (GAB) chairman Atty. Richard S. Clarin said the first ever awarding ceremony in the Sports Summit is a way to recognize and honor Filipino sporting greats and pioneers who contributed and dedicated themselves in strengthening and developing professional sports in the country.

“For the first time in the history of Sports Summit, we will also hold an Awards Ceremony to confer recognitions to our professional sports icons, champions and individuals or groups that brought honor to our country and contributed to the development of professional sports in the country,“said Clarin on GAB Facebook post.

Also set to receive separate awards are current and former boxing and MMA champions Nonito Donaire, John Riel Casimero, Jerwin Ancajas, Rene Mark Cuarto, Mark Magsayo, Dave Apolinario, Marlon Tapales and Joshua Pacio.