By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Zone 7 has strengthened its grassroots basketball program through a series of meetings and partnerships in Negros and Siquijor.

Zone 7 director Tony Agustin led the initiative, beginning with a courtesy visit to Dumaguete City Assistant City Administrator Dr. Dinno Depositario, who also serves as the newly appointed SBP Zone 7 provincial director for Negros Oriental.

This was followed by a coordination meeting with provincial coordinators to align local programs with SBP’s national grassroots agenda.

Discussions focused on organizing community-based leagues, tournaments and long-term development programs aimed at expanding basketball opportunities across the province.

Agustin also met with Siquijor Vice Governor Dindo Tumala to discuss the rollout of SBP programs at the provincial level.

Both parties expressed support for closer collaboration to further grassroots sports development in the island province.

In addition, SBP Zone 7 held talks with technical officiating groups in Siquijor to standardize officiating practices.

The goal is to form a unified pool of accredited officials trained under SBP and FIBA rules.

As part of its ongoing efforts, SBP Zone 7 will hold a Grassroots Program Camp in Negros Oriental from April 17 to 19 at the Foundation University North Campus Gym in Dumaguete City.

Dumaguete was selected as the next host following a similar program held in Negros Occidental in 2024.

The camp aims to provide young athletes and coaches with access to high-level training while strengthening the local basketball structure.

The three-day event will feature veteran coach Norman Black as guest mentor and lead instructor. He will be joined by Larry Fonacier, Dean Castaño, Hazel Yambot, and Pat Aquino.

SBP Zone 7 said further details about the camp will be announced once preparations are finalized, as it continues its efforts to build sustainable and inclusive basketball programs at the grassroots level./ASC, WDJ