The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), together with the local government units (LGUs) of the National Capital Region (NCR), kicked-off the MMDA Cup 2024 on Tuesday, May 21, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos, and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora
San Juan City Mayor and Metro Manila Council (MMC) President Francis Zamora led the opening ceremony of the sports festival, together with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, and Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna. Also present during the event were Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco and Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano.
According to the MMDA, the sports event features basketball and volleyball competitions among the 17 LGUs of Metro Manila and other participating national government agencies to promote sportsmanship and camaraderie through athletic competition.
The sports tournament also aims to encourage government employees to actively participate in sports for a healthier and more active lifestyle.
The event started with a parade of the basketball and volleyball players with their muses. Paranaque city government’s Nicole Grencio was awarded as Best Muse.
Professional basketball players and UAAP Champion Ricci Rivero, DLSU's JC Macalalang, and 4-peat UAAP Champion from National University volleyball player Joshua Retamar also gave their messages of support for the sports tournament and encouragement to the players.
In the inaugural basketball match, the city of Manila won against San Juan City.
Here is the list of groupings for the men's basketball and women's volleyball matches:
Men's basketball
North 1
Caloocan City, Malabon City, Navotas City, Valenzuela City, Philippine National Police (PNP), National Housing Authority (NHA), and Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA).
North 2
Manila City, Marikina City, Quezon City, San Juan City, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Office of the President, and Philhealth.
South 1
Las Piñas City, Muntinlupa City, Pasay City, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Parañaque City, and Department of Health (DOH).
South 2
Makati City, Mandaluyong City, Pateros, Taguig City, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Commission of Higher Education, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Pasig City.
Women's volleyball
North
Caloocan City, Malabon City, Manila City, Marikina City, Quezon City, San Juan City, Valenzuela City, Department of Health (DOH), Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), National Housing Authority (NHA), and Philippine National Police (PNP).
South
Makati City, Mandaluyong City, Pasay City, Pateros, Taguig City, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Muntinlupa City, Philhealth, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).