When people come to watch UNTV Cup’s second season games, they will experience more than just entertainment, but government services as well.

“Every game day is people’s day,” said BMPI-UNTV CEO and Chairman Daniel Razon in the basketball charity league’s opening on February 11, 2014 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Just before the kickoff of UNTV Cup 2 begins, its creator delivers the evening news right from the Smart-Araneta Coliseum through Ito Ang Balita. (Joy Reyes | Photoville International)

Apart from sweating for their chosen beneficiaries, the 10 teams comprised of different government agencies will set up their booths to answer the attendees’ queries and process documents.

The veteran broadcaster added that they have also started discussing plans for the possibility of issuing government IDs through said booths.

For the People

Atty. Emerson Carlos of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said that they are considering to have a mobile service where drivers can check if they have violations with the department. They can also provide technical personnel who can entertain questions.

Bringing the action live to fans tuned in via radio, television, and the Worldwide Web are (from left) Sev Sarmenta, Ronnie Magsanoc, and Gerry Cordiñera. (Joy Reyes | Photoville International)

Asst. Team Manager PSSupt. Ricky Nerbes of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said that their agency aims to extend its help not only to the audience but to the participants as well.

For the part of the Judiciary, Legal Court Administrator Midas Marquez expressed that their desk can help people with case status and other legal matters.

Philhealth’s Mario Matanguihan said that the booth will serve as a platform for information dissemination, especially about the many benefits they now have for their members.

The PhilHealth Team Manager also remarked that UNTV Cup is now well-known, and that many people will benefit from the booths.

The New Game

In a press conference a week before the pilot game, Kuya Daniel told reporters that he will give each team a slot in UNTV News to report about their agency.

Giving the participating public agency the chance to report will allow for people to know each government agency better, and set things straight regarding any misconception people may have about them.

Team Senate vs. Team Solons start the first game of the second season of the UNTV Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum on February 11, 2014. (Frederick Alvior | Photoville International)

Kuya Daniel started the charity basketball league in July 2013. Its roots stem from Sing and Shoot in 2012, where he pooled other public servants and celebrities to play for the benefit of his free college education program.

UNTV Cup is but one of the various public service ideas and efforts conceptualized and advocated by Kuya Daniel. Among these include the country’s first free Transient Home; daily free rides, meals, and medical missions; Tulong Muna, Bago Balita (Rescue First, Report Later), and many others.

Team Senate won against Team Solons with 83-72 before audiences that filled The Big Dome to its brim.

UNTV will be airing and posting on their Facebook page venues and schedules of following games for people to see public servants in action, on and off the hard court.

(Written by Rigor Arellano)