CHAMPION OF THE COURT: Davao Clergy Hailed Champion of the Archbishop Muloy’s Cup

The inaugural Archbishop Muloy’s Cup could not have asked for a more dramatic ending. Locked in a 68–68 deadlock with only 11 seconds left on the clock, the Davao Clergy Eagles delivered the game’s defining moment—a clutch two-point basket that lifted the hosts to a thrilling 70–68 victory over the Diocese of San Carlos. The dramatic finish crowned Davao as the champion of the Archbishop Muloy’s Cup – National Clergy Basketball League and brought to a close four unforgettable days of faith, fraternity, and spirited competition among priests from across the Philippines.

Held from June 29 to July 2, 2026, the national clergy basketball league formed part of the celebrations for the 178th Parochial Fiesta of San Pedro Metropolitan Cathedral, the 75th Anniversary of Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC), and the 75th Birthday of Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao. Organized by the Archdiocese of Davao in partnership with various Church and institutional collaborators, the tournament sought not only to honor Archbishop Valles’ enduring pastoral leadership but also to strengthen fraternity, wellness, and communion among priests through sports.

The four-day event officially opened with a Pontifical Mass at the San Pedro Metropolitan Cathedral, placing Christ at the center of the competition before delegates proceeded to the Holy Cross of Davao College for the opening ceremonies. Fourteen teams representing dioceses, archdioceses, and ecclesiastical territories from across the country then competed in a series of elimination-round games held at the Holy Cross of Davao College Gymnasium, Davao Central Recreation Center, Rizal Memorial Colleges, and Goldstar Gym. Throughout the tournament, the basketball courts became venues not only for competition but also for friendship, fellowship, and shared mission among the clergy.

The participating teams from the two brackets were: Bracket A 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. After an intense elimination round, the top four teams advanced to the crossover semifinals.

The Diocese of San Carlos secured the first championship berth with an impressive 95–72 victory over the Diocese of Tagbilaran, demonstrating balanced offense and disciplined team play. In the second semifinal, the Davao Clergy survived a closely contested battle against the Panay Clergy, prevailing 62–58 to earn a place in the Grand Finals before their home supporters.

Afterwards, Panay Clergy emerges as the Second Runner-Up after defeating the Diocese of Tagbilaran, 72–62, in the Battle for Third Place. The Diocese of Tagbilaran concluded its inspiring campaign as the tournament’s Third Runner-Up, earning admiration for its perseverance and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

Beyond the team awards, the league also recognized individual excellence through the presentation of the Mythical Five, honoring players whose exceptional performances, leadership, and consistency distinguished them throughout the tournament.

The members of the inaugural Mythical Five were: Fr. Oliva – Panay Clergy, Fr. Jakosalem – San Carlos Clergy, Fr. Jimenez – San Carlos Clergy, Fr. Simbajon – Davao Clergy (Finals Most Valuable Player), Rev. Rodriguez – Davao Clergy (Most Defensive Player).

Adding excitement to the closing festivities was the 3-Point Challenge, where Fr. Floricel Bongay of the Diocese of Tagbilaran emerged victorious after displaying remarkable shooting accuracy and composure from beyond the arc.

While trophies were presented and champion crowned, the Archbishop Muloy’s Cup ultimately celebrated something greater than victory on the scoreboard. Throughout four days of competition, priests from different parts of the country strengthened bonds of fraternity, renewed old friendships, and built new ones, demonstrating that sports can become a meaningful expression of communion and pastoral fellowship.

The tournament embodied the Church’s appreciation for the holistic formation of priests, recognizing that physical wellness, recreation, and healthy competition are valuable dimensions of priestly life. Every game reflected the values of discipline, humility, teamwork, and mutual respect, and virtues that extend far beyond the basketball court and into the ministry shared by every participant.