DESPITE the surge in coronavirus cases in the Visayas and Mindanao, the Pilipinas Vis-Min Super Cup hopes to continue its success in the coming Mindanao leg next month.

Vis-Min Cup chief operating officer Rocky Chan, team owner Mayor Jan Hendrick Vallecer of Roxas, Zamboanga Del Norte, sports director Amador Baller of Iligan City and team consultant Lance Samuel Co of Pagadian City assured basketball community that they are doing everything to ensure that all health and safety protocols will be followed.

Speaking at the weekly “Usapang Sports on Air” by the Tabloids OrganIzation In Philippine Sports (TOPS), Chan, Mayor Vallecer and Baller said the Mindanao leg will push thru as scheduled next month.

“We are listening to the instructions of our government leaders through the IATF and GAB and following instructions on how to best deal with the pandemic, while at the same time keeping our vision to promote local basketball through the Vis-Min Cup,” said Chan

Chan said the organizing committee is now finalizing the host province and venue of the games, but did not announce it yet pending completion of all heakth and safety requirements.

But he said it will be similar to the Visayas leg which was hosted by the province of Alcantara.

“Actually, we’re ready to open shop on Mayo 30, but we decided to push the opening on the second week of June, dahil medyo tumataas yung cases ng COVID sa Mindanao. Sumunod kami sa payo ng IATF at GAB.”

Mayor Vallecer, on the other hand, threw his full support to the first and only professional league based in the Visayas and Mindanao.

His team, the Roxas Vanguards, hope to make immediate impact and possibly win the championship under head coach Eddie Laure.

“When the VisMin organizers presented to me the program, I immediately sought an audience with our Governor (Roberto Uy), then approved agad,” recalled Vallecer.

“Napakaganda ng programa. I also love and played basketball, pero hindi ko na itinuloy yung passion ko. Right now, nakikita ko maraming kabataan dito sa amin ang mahuhusay and hopefully, itong Vis-Min Cup ang maging daan nila para matupad yung pangarap nilang makalaro sa mataas na level ng kompetisyon,” added Vallecer.

He expressed hope that Laure can guide the team.

“Kaibigan kong matalik si Laure. Dahil siya taga-rito. Natitiyak ko na kaya niya na ma-inspire ang mga homegrown players,” claimed Vallacer.

Baller, sports head of Iligan City, shared the same obsevation, adding the Vis-Min Cup is expected to encourage the youth to play basketball.

“We’re proud of our team. Except for one player, lahat ng kinuha namin taga-rito sa Iligan City. Maraming gustong makapaglaro ng high-level competition sa basketball pero walang mapaglaruan.

With this VisMin Cup, tiyak marami tayong madidiskober na talento rito,”added Baller. Baller.

Co, team consultant of the Pagadian Explorers, claimed Mindanao is home to many outstandung athletes, not only in basketball.

He said the Vis-Min Cup is a good avenue ti showcase Mindanao talents.

“Malaki ang maitutulong ng liga para mabigyan ng exposure ang Mindanao, lalo na dito sa amin sa Pagadian, na madaming magaganda at world-class na tourist destinations,” said Co.

“Of course, malaking tulong sa kabuhayan ng mga tao yung nagkaroon ng ganitong liga.”

Also set to action in the Mindanao leg ars the Misamis Oriental Brew Authoritea, Alayon Zamboanga City and Basilan Peace Riders.