18/08/2026
THE OFFICIAL STATEMENT
The Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Ma-ao, together with the Basketball Committee, expresses its firm commitment to fair play, justice, sportsmanship, equality, and respect for the rules governing the ongoing basketball tournament.
We acknowledge the unfortunate incident during the game. Such conduct is contrary to the values of discipline, respect, sportsmanship, and camaraderie that this tournament seeks to promote.
FOLLOWING THE INCIDENT, THE SK CHAIRPERSON AND THE BASKETBALL COMMITTEE MADE EVERY REASONABLE EFFORT TO PROVIDE FAIR AND IMPARTIAL OPTIONS TO ALLOW THE GAME TO CONTINUE. These options were extended without favoritism or bias, no personal interest and with consideration for the interests of both teams. The officials made efforts to find a just and reasonable resolution while remaining mindful of the tournament’s established ground rules. However, despite the opportunities and alternatives presented by the tournament officials, the concerned team ultimately chose NOT to proceed with the continuation of the game.
The SK Chairperson and the Basketball Committee emphasize that the options provided were not intended to favor any team or player. Rather, they were offered in fairness, equality, and the preservation of the tournament. Every decision was made with the objective of balancing the welfare of the players, the integrity of the competition, and the rules that all participating teams agreed to follow. Accordingly, the Basketball Committee shall proceed with the tournament and its scheduled activities based on the rules and decisions applicable to all participating teams. No team shall be given an unfair advantage, and no team shall be unfairly deprived of what is properly due to them under the tournament rules.
The Awarding Ceremony is scheduled on August 22, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the Barangay Auditorium. All participating teams are expected to attend and respectfully participate in the official awarding ceremony. Should a team CHOOSE NOT TO ATTEND the awarding ceremony despite having been properly informed, the Committee will respect that decision. However, please understand that the team will have to claim its prize directly from the Sangguniang Kabataan Office during regular office hours.
We appeal to all players, teams, coaches, and supporters to uphold sportsmanship over conflict, respect over anger, and unity over division.
A basketball tournament is more than a competition. It is an opportunity to strengthen friendship, discipline, and teamwork.
Let this incident remind us that a championship lasts for a moment.
A trophy eventually gathers dust.
A disagreement can be forgotten.
But the way we treat one another remains part of who we are.
We may never please everyone, but we stand by what we believe is right and fair. We have done our part in good faith. This is what we believe should be done.
Let this situation remind us that strength is not shown by anger – It is shown by restraint. Victory is not only measured by points on a scoreboard – It is also measured by the character we show
when emotions are high and circumstances are difficult.
For fairness. For unity. For Barangay Ma-ao.
