ILOILO CITY -- This year’s second leg of the Asian Tournament is hosted by Passi City in Iloilo province.

Passi City Mayor Stephen A. Palmares, Vice Mayor Elyzer C. Chavez and Agrarian Reform Usec. Jesry T. Palmares of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) led the ceremonial toss before the first game of the Asian Tournament 2024.

The game between the East Side Pirates and the Jambo Warriors on Tuesday, May 21, is one of the series of matches that will be played until May 27.

The Asian Tournament features eight participating teams from across Asia that are playing at the City of Passi Arena.

Aside from the two teams, the others are Mustang, Aces, Zamboanga Valientes, Pola Pilipinas RPG, Macau Black Bears, and Vanta Black Dragons..

Local officials are urging basketball fans from all over Iloilo province, Iloilo City and several other provinces in Panay Island to come to Passi.

“The games are free.  Anyone can walk in and watch for free,” said Mayor Palmares.

This is the first time Passi is hosting an international basketball tournament.

In March 2023, Passi City also hosted the All-star Weekend of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Mayor Palmares said that hosting international games is meant to bolster the viability of Passi City becoming the sports capital of Western Visayas by 2028.