PBA launches Player Development Program in hopes of producing holistic players

With the future of their players in mind, the Philippine Basketball Association held a Players’ Orientation at the Meralco Theatre in Ortigas, Pasig City on Friday afternoon.

The gathering tackled topics close to the pro cagers, such as financial management, social media activities, proper grooming, and the importance of one’s mental health.

“Malaking advantage kapag natutunan din i-promote ‘yung liga sa social media. Pangalawa ‘yung grooming, kung papaano ka naman pumorma ng kaunti. At [pangatlo] kung paano humarap sa inyo, sa media, at sa telebisyon, at marami rin silang natutunan tungkol sa finances,” said the amiable league commissioner Willie Marcial.

The orientation featured speakers for particular topics.

Roch Vanderberghe of FWD Insurance and Chesca Bugia-Tenorio – wife of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel star guard LA Tenorio – talked about investments and financial literacy, respectively.

Meanwhile, Maggie Cortez of TV5 discussed social media and how the players could maximize their online presence.

PBA legend Ronnie Magsanoc shared his experiences, followed by Tony Dela Cruz and one-fifth of San Miguel Beermen’s dreaded starting unit Chris Ross, as they talked about mental health.

Ross has been vocal of his support for mental health awareness, and has even expressed his views on social media.

“It’s such a tough issue that I think that… I feel like it’s there to stay,” said Ross, a 10-year pro.

“The more people you can get to talk about it, the more people to come forward. Then the more people you can reach. I feel like it’s a good thing.”

This is not the first time the league has held an orientation for its players, as previous commissioners have held similar events. Now, Marcial is looking to do it again next time.

“Tignan natin [if merong susunod na orientation], kasi huling ganito nine or ten years ago, panahon pa ni Comm. Sonny Barrios,” said Marcial.

“So inano [nagpa-orientation] lang [ngayon] kasi nag-evolve na, lalo [na] may social media na. Makakatulong sila sa atin (players), madami silang followers eh.”