ALKFI, Nueva Ecija basketball team advocate for the youthABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc. (ALKFI) has partnered with Nueva Ecija men’s basketball team Bespren to help fund the eco-youth development programs of the late ALKFI chair Gina Lopez.

The team turned over an initial amount of P1 million for ALKFI’s youth development programs during the formal launch of the partnership. On top of that, 100% of the proceeds from the ticket sales of its National Basketball League (NBL) games will be donated to the foundation. The development programs of ALKFI benefit the youth nationwide.

Paul Vincent Mercado, chief marketing officer of ALKFI, emphasized the significance of the partnership.

“ABS-CBN Foundation is happy to find a partner who shares the same values with us especially in making sure that the youth is given the right support and opportunities for growth and development. We…also believe that the youth plays an integral role in making sure that the programs and projects we started will be sustained and passed on to the next generation,” Mercado said.

Team owner Renan Morales said Nueva Ecija Bespren was formed to promote sports and to divert the youth from vices and other undesirable activities.

People from Nueva Ecija are known to be accommodating and give their best to make visitors feel welcome and accepted—like a real best friend. “Kapag taga-Nueva Ecija ka, ‘bespren’ ka,” Morales explained.

Nueva Ecija Bespren also conducted tryouts for aspiring players in preparation for the upcoming NBL competition at the San Juan Arena in San Juan.