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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Philippine Youth Basketball Championship opens new season with Unilab as partner

Philippine Youth Basketball Championship opens new season with Unilab as partner

By MBrand
Published May 7, 2026 10:16 am

At A Glance

  • After a successful first season, the Philippine Youth Basketball Championship (PYBC) opens its second run with healthcare leader Unilab as partner.
After a successful first season, the Philippine Youth Basketball Championship (PYBC) opens its second run with healthcare leader Unilab as partner.
Unilab is platinum sponsor of the PYBC’s new season, with supporting brands Growee, HydroAid, Ceelin Plus, Enervon Z+, Alaxan Xtra, Myra, pH Care, and Celeteque.
At the sidelines of the Season 2 opening ceremony held on April 26 at FilOil Centre in San Juan City, PYBC Commissioner and Philippine basketball legend Benjie Paras said, “When we started this league, our dream was simple – just to make a place for players not only to learn basketball, but to be a better person. [Our players] didn’t disappoint us. I’m proud of the outcome of Season 1. This Season 2, we are taking PYBC to the next level…. To our sponsors and partners led by Unilab, without you this would all just be a dream.”
PYBC Commissioner Benjie Paras says PYBC is a venue for young athletes to improve both as basketball players and as individuals.
PYBC Commissioner Benjie Paras says PYBC is a venue for young athletes to improve both as basketball players and as individuals.
Unilab Assistant Vice President of Marketing Sunshine Aquino said the company’s support for the PYBC reflected its commitment to help build champions not just on the court, but in life.
“It is important for us to support organizations that share our mission of building a healthier Philippines. We believe it is crucial to encourage the youth to stay active through sports while reinforcing the importance of proper nutrition in their overall development. By nurturing both physical activity and good health habits early on, we help lay a strong foundation that enables the youth to grow into healthier, more resilient adults,” she said.
Commissioner Paras with Unilab executives and the Growee mascot. Unilab is platinum sponsor of Season 2 of the PYBC.
Commissioner Paras with Unilab executives and the Growee mascot. Unilab is platinum sponsor of Season 2 of the PYBC.
The PYBC was launched in 2025 to level up grassroots basketball in the country through digital performance analytics. Performance data will be used by players and coaches to monitor and accelerate their development. PYBC also provides a platform for young talent to be scouted by coaches in more advanced leagues.
Paras shared how times have changed since his rookie years, when young basketball players would play at “Ligang Labas,” which literally meant tournaments held outdoors, and hope to be scouted.
Unilab’s support for the PYBC is aligned with its mission to help build a healthier, stronger Philippines.
Unilab’s support for the PYBC is aligned with its mission to help build a healthier, stronger Philippines.
The second season of the PYBC introduces four new age categories – under-12, under-14, under-16, and under-18 – for young athletes, many of whom aspire to play in collegiate leagues and, eventually, play professionally.
Justin Matthew de Belen of San Beda Alabang Spartans (under-18 category) said, “It’s important to be part of the PYBC because it is a very big stage, and it opens doors to a lot of opportunities.”
Meanwhile, Alec Logan Chua, who plays in the under-12 category for Buena Foods Jskills, said being part of the PYBC has helped him improve significantly. “We can really see how we can improve further so we could be a better basketball player. Playing in the PYBC is important because the experience we gain can help our careers as young athletes.”
Paras encouraged PYBC players to grow game by game. “The stats are not here to pressure you, but for you to see your own progress. One day you will look back to see who you were as a player, and who you have become.”
PYBC Season 2 games will be streamed live via the PusoP app and the PYBC Facebook page.

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Philippine Youth Basketball Championship (PYBC) Unilab Inc
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