MORE THAN JUST A GAME: Archbishop Muloy’s Cup: National Clergy Basketball League officially held

The Archbishop Muloy’s Cup: National Clergy Basketball League officially opened on June 29, 2026, marking the beginning of a four-day celebration of faith, fraternity, and sportsmanship among the Catholic clergy from across the Philippines. More than a national basketball tournament, the event is being held in celebration of the 178th Parochial Fiesta of the San Pedro Metropolitan Cathedral, the 75th Anniversary of Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC), and in honor of the 75th birthday of the Archbishop of Davao, Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D. Through this initiative, the Archdiocese of Davao, together with its partners, seeks to recognize Archbishop Valles’ enduring pastoral leadership while fostering fellowship, wellness, and unity among priests through sports.

The tournament commenced with a Pontifical Mass at 9:30 a.m. at the San Pedro Metropolitan Cathedral, the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Davao, placing Christ at the center of the competition before the athletes took to the court. Following the Eucharistic Celebration, delegates and participants proceeded to the Holy Cross of Davao College for the official opening ceremonies. The afternoon program will include the assembly and parade of participating teams, the opening prayer, the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the Davao Hymn, “Tayo ay Dabawenyo,” the official opening remarks by Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., the Oath of Sportsmanship to be led by Rev. Fr. Rene Ribac, and the ceremonial Lighting and Passing of the Torch, symbolizing unity, fair play, and the shared mission of the clergy despite coming from different dioceses and ecclesiastical jurisdictions.

A total of 14 teams representing dioceses, archdioceses, and ecclesiastical territories from different parts of the country will compete in this year’s edition of the league. Bracket A is composed of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines (MOP), the Diocese of Bacolod, Diocese of San Carlos, Diocese of Mati, Diocese of Panay, the Diocese of Borongan, and the Dioceses of Kidapawan, Marbel, and Cotabato (KIDMACO), while Bracket B consists of the Union of Bicol Clergy (UBC), Diocese of Tandag, Diocese of Tagum, Archdiocese of Palo, Archdiocese of Davao, Archdiocese of Cebu, and Diocese of Tagbilaran. The tournament format places the teams into two brackets, with each squad playing six elimination-round games. At the end of the eliminations, the top two teams from each bracket will advance directly to the crossover semifinals, where the first-ranked team from one bracket will face the second-ranked team from the other. The winners will then meet in the championship game to determine the inaugural Archbishop Muloy’s Cup champion.

Competition will be held across four major venues in Davao City to accommodate the national league. The opening day games on June 29 will take place at the Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) Gymnasium, Davao Central Recreation Center (DCRC), and Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC). The elimination round continues on June 30 at the same three venues before expanding on July 1, when games will also be played at the Goldstar Gym, allowing multiple matches to be held simultaneously throughout the day. The semifinals, championship game, 3-Point Shootout Exhibition, and awarding ceremony will all be held on July 2 at the Holy Cross of Davao College Gymnasium, culminating the four-day tournament with the crowning of the league champion.

Aside from the on-court action, participants also gathered for a Socio-Night on the opening day, highlighting the deeper purpose of the event—to strengthen fraternity among the clergy. The evening program will feature cultural performances by the HCDC Sinag Culture and Arts Collective, welcome messages from Church and institutional leaders, dinner accompanied by live acoustic music, presentations, expressions of gratitude, and a closing prayer and blessing. These activities underscore that the league is not solely about competition but also about nurturing friendship, collaboration, and mutual support among priests who share the common mission of serving the People of God.

The Archbishop Muloy’s Cup reflects the Church’s recognition that physical well-being, fellowship, and recreation are valuable aspects of priestly life.

By bringing together clergy from various dioceses and archdioceses in one national sporting event, the tournament provides an opportunity for priests to build lasting friendships, renew their sense of brotherhood, and experience healthy competition rooted in Christian values. As it honors the 75th birthday of Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, while celebrating the 178th Parochial Fiesta of the San Pedro Metropolitan Cathedral and the 75th Anniversary of Holy Cross of Davao College, the league stands as a fitting tribute to a shepherd whose ministry has consistently fostered communion, service, and holistic formation within the Church. (Bernadette Esperance)