A bigger, better and more exciting UNTV Cup awaits as it opens its fourth season on Monday (August 24) at 7:00 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena. The opening ceremony will also kick off the two-day celebration of UNTV’s 11th Anniversary from August 24 to 25.

New, Bigger Team Lineups

The first ever league of its kind in the Philippines, UNTV Cup Season 4 will now feature 12 teams with the entry of the Office of the Ombudsman Graft Busters, starring the seven-foot ex-pro behemoth EJ Feihl.

Other teams are not to be undone as they made great strides to improve their roster in the off season, however. The defending champion Judiciary Magis added former PSBA point guard Warren Ybañez, the DOJ Justice Boosters acquired former UE Warriors swingman Jorel Cañizares, and the AFP Cavaliers loaded up on their backcourt by adding former Letran Knights spitfire guard Boyet Bautista.

Big-time ex-professionals also made a return to the league, as hall-of-famer Kenneth Duremdes is set to join the Senate Defenders while the trio of Gerard Francisco, Kiko Adriano and Arnold Gamboa will solidify the House of Representatives Solons.

On the other hand, Johnedel Cardel, Cyril Santiago and Jeff Sanders will backstop the MMDA Black Wolves, and season 3 finalists Malacanang Patriots will be joined by do-it-all forward Jenkins Mesina.

The National Housing Authority Builders, Bureau of Fire Protection Firefighters, Philippine National Police Responders, and the GSIS Furies round up the 12 teams for UNTV Cup Season 4.

Mr. Public Service’s Brainchild

A brainchild of BMPI-UNTV Chairman and CEO Daniel S. Razon, the UNTV Cup will again feature the UNTV Action Center, where fans who will watch the game live will also be able to seek assistance. Services to be offered free in partnership with participating government agencies include giving of free health cards, legal and medical assistance, among others.

As the Philippines’ premiere league of public servants, the UNTV Cup promises to provide assistance not only to its followers but to various NGO’s as well.

This season’s champion will receive 2 million pesos, 1st runner up gets 1 million pesos, third place receives 500 thousand pesos and the fourth placer gets 250 thousand pesos for their chosen beneficiaries. All the other teams, on the other hand, will receive 100 thousand each for their partner NGO.

As early as now, the 12 participating teams have been very busy with searching for their partner charitable institution.

Netizens can show support to UNTV Cup 4’s season opener by using the hashtags #LigaNgPublicServants and #UNTVCupSeason4 on their Twitter tweets and Facebook posts.

Written by Jerlo Kevin Rialp