THE Mindanao Leg of the 2021 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup finally got the nod of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to tip off on Wednesday at the Ipil Provincial Gym in Ipil Heights, Zamboanga Sibugay.
It was a hectic Tuesday for league officials headed by Chief Operating Officer Rocky Chan as they had two days to secure a clearance from the local government unit and the Games and Amusements Board to begin competition on Wednesday.
After completing all requirements—health screening, drug testing and related documents—the league got the clearance at the close of offices at 5 p.m. on Tuesday.
“We are just happy that Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay accepted us without hesitation as we tip off our Mindanao leg,” Chan said. “We would like to thank Mayor Anamel Olegario and Governor Wilter Palma for hosting our games and the GAB, headed by Chairman Baham Mitra, for giving us the necessary licenses to resume our league.
Powerhouse squads ALZA Alayon Zamboanga Del Sur and Basilan Peace Riders kick off hostilities at 1 p.m.
Dan Sara is expected to be the leader of ALZA Alayon while the Peace Riders, formerly the Steel, are hungry to play after their exit from the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
Teytey Teodoro and the Kapatagan Buffalo Braves take on Jericho Montecalvo and the Iligan City Archangels in the second game at 3 p.m.
The Mindanao Leg of the league was initially scheduled to begin on June 22 in Pagadian City.
But Zamboanga Del Sur was placed under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine since June 15 while Zamboanga Sibugay is under General Community Quarantine.
Games in Ipil will take place on July 7, 8, 9, 11 and 13. The league and Pagadian City are hoping to begin play at Plaza Luz starting on July 15 if quarantines are eased.
The Mindanao Leg also features the Roxas Vanguards, the Pagadian Explorers, the Clarin Sto. Nino, the MisOr Brew Authoritea and the Zamboanga City JPS.