Thirty-two teams brace for competitive basketball action as the Bulacan University and Collegiate Athletic Association (BUCAA) kicked off Monday, April 15 at Star Arena in Brgy. Pagala, Baliwag City.

Gov. Daniel R. Fernando, who serves as the BUCAA chairperson, encouraged the participating squads to play with respect and embody the spirit of sportsmanship in the inaugural staging of the tournament.

"Their long dream of having an association in the field of sports, whose members are from various universities and colleges in the province, is now a reality. We hope to discover the best young athletes who will compete in various competitions in the country and even around the world," he added.

Related to this, many parents in the province expressed gratitude to the Bulacan governor for engaging the youth in sports and, thus, keeping them away from bad vices including illegal drugs. 

Fernando assured the safety, peace, and order around the vicinity where the competitions will be held. He said they have coordinated with the police and emergency unit so they are ready for the entirety of the tournament.

Aside from Fernando, others in charge of the association were Vice Gov. Alex C. Castro, Co-Chairperson, and Vice-Chairperson Atty. Gerard Nelson Manalo, Provincial legal officer.

Members of the board are Casey Tyrone Howard, President of SK Provincial Federation; Atty. Nikki Manuel Coronel,   OIC, Provincial Youth Sports and Development Office (PYSDO); two members representing State Universities and Colleges, and another two members representing Private Universities and Colleges.