Soco lauds strong unity in Cebu’s 7th District through Calderon Cup
CEBU CITY, Philippines — CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu Vice Governor Glen Anthony Soco praised the strong unity among the municipalities of Cebu’s Seventh District, citing sports as a powerful force that brings communities together during the opening of the inaugural Calderon Cup Developmental League on Saturday, May 22, in Badian town.
Soco joined Cebu Seventh District Representative Patricia Calderon and the mayors of the district’s eight municipalities during the tournament’s opening ceremony.
In his speech, Soco expressed admiration for the solidarity shown by the district’s local leaders and athletes.
“Nakita nako nga ang Septimo Distrito sa Sugbo nagkahiusa gyud tungod sa sports. They proved that there is unity through sports, and I would like to congratulate Congresswoman Patricia Calderon,” Soco said.
(“I saw in Cebu’s 7th District the unity achieved through sports.”)
READ: Calderon Cup Volleyball Tournament 2026 set to open in Badian
The vice governor also shared his personal connection to volleyball, recalling how the sport helped him earn scholarships throughout his academic journey.
“You know that volleyball is close to my heart. I was once a volleyball varsity scholar from high school to college and even played for the national team, but I didn’t last long in the game. My parents didn’t pay for my studies because of the scholarship, and I believe that one of you will become a varsity player through this tournament,” he said in a mix of English and Cebuano.
Soco encouraged the young athletes to seize the opportunity, noting Cebu’s rich volleyball tradition and its history of producing national-level talents.
“Kahibaw ba mo nga dako kaayo ang volleyball diri sa Cebu. Daghan ta’g mga players karon nga naa na sa national level pareho nilang Sisi Rondina ug Gretchel Soltones nga produkto ug garbo sa Guv’s Cup kaniadto. Karon, gusto sad ko makakita og garbo sa Calderon Cup,” he added.
(“Did you know that volleyball is a huge sport here in Cebu? We have so many players who are now at the national level, like Sisi Rondina and Gretchel Soltones, who were once the pride of the Guv’s Cup. Today, I would like to see the pride of the Calderon Cup.”)
Having organized the highly successful Guv’s Cup Volleyball Tournament during the administration of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Soco urged the participants to play with discipline, teamwork, and determination while enjoying the competition.
He also reminded the players that scouts from various schools and universities are expected to watch the games, giving them a chance to earn scholarships and follow a similar path to his own.
The most exciting part during Soco’s speech was when he committed to sponsor the allowance for any player from the tournament who gets recruited as a varsity scholar.
For her part, Calderon echoed Soco’s message, emphasizing how sports can strengthen relationships among communities.
“We made it possible that through sports, we can unite an entire district. We can unite towns and their people through sports. It’s also an opportunity for our athletes to be developed. This tournament is a testament to how united we are in the Seventh District,” Calderon said.
READ: Rondina, Pons to skip PVL on Tour to prepare for Asian Games
The inaugural all-female Under-21 volleyball tournament features teams from Alcantara, Alegria, Badian, Dumanjug, Ginatilan, Malabuyoc, Moalboal, and Ronda.
The competition follows a single-round robin format, with the top four teams advancing to the crossover semifinals.
The champion will receive P30,000, while the runner-up will earn P20,000. The third- and fourth-placed teams will take home P10,000 and P5,000, respectively.
Like the recently concluded Under-21 basketball tournament, the Calderon Cup matches will be hosted by the participating municipalities and will run until May 31.
Six matches are currently being played for the opening salvo as of press time.
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