Laoag City Inter-Office Tourney Takes Off

Laoag City Inter-Office Tourney Takes OffThe first ever Inter-office Basketball and Volleyball Tournament of the Laoag City Government took off with a bang last Wednesday, September 22 at the City Basketball Court.

The event kicked off with a parade of colors, athletes and officemate-supporters all donning their respective uniforms, led by a PNP mobile car and the famous INNHS Aliwan drummers.

Much of the excitement was focused on two guest teams, the Bakladinks which is composed of gays from the different offices and some members of the Laoag City Press Corps, and the Tibulinks all lesbian employees of the City. According to Mr. Hipolito Salva, Sports Coordinator, it is more on recognition and respect of the genders that is foremost, the fun and laughter are only secondary.

City Administrator Mr. Perry Martinez II welcomed the members of the twelve basketball teams and eleven volleyball teams, with their respective muses. It was ABC President and Chairperson of the City Tourism and Social Concerns Council Hon. Chevylle V. Fariñas  who formally declared the tournament open and tossed the ceremonial jump ball. Engineer Ellis Corpuz of the CEO and also President of the CHB, administered the oath of Amateurism to the athletes.

On the one hand, the opening basketball game between the dreaded PNP and the DPS was a lopsided contest, with the former scoring 89 over the latter’s 46. On the other hand, amid the fun, laughter and excitement that filled the arena, the opening volleyball game between the Bakladinks and Tibulinks was a bitterly contested game with the former narrowly winning the match.

Organizers and employees alike share the same enthusiasm and optimism that this tournament will foster better working relationships and camaraderie amongst the employees of the Laoag City Government.