MANILA, Philippines – Chicken company Chooks-to-Go has entered into a long-term partnership with the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) in simple rites on Tuesday morning.

The agreement was officially unveiled at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong, exactly one week ahead of league owner Senator Manny Pacquiao’s 41st birthday.

“Dahil ang MPBL ang tunay na tahanan ng mga Manok ng Bayan, we are committed to sponsor this league for five years,” said Bounty Agro Ventures Inc. (BAVI) President Ronald Mascariñas.

Since 2016, Chooks-to-Go has been supporting numerous athletes, sports, and league in its effort to help promote nationalism through sports.

On the other hand, Pacquiao built the MPBL to give a new avenue for the Filipino basketball player to showcase his talent. From 10 teams in its first season, the league has expanded to 31 teams.

And with Chooks-to-Go on his side, Pacquiao is just glad to have a partner on his side to help grow his league.

“This is just the beginning of a strong and long partnership between the MPBL and Chooks-to-Go. We all know that Chooks-to-Go has been helping in sports development. Helping us is their way of helping a very successful business venture for me,” Pacquiao said.

“As the father of the MPBL, I’m very happy that Chooks-to-Go has recognized the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League as a solid league with a bright future ahead of it. It is integral in MPBL’s vision to be the league for every Filipino. And with you, we will be able to help more Filipinos.”

Also gracing the event were Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas director of operations Butch Antonio, International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Legal Commission chairman Aga Francisco, BAVI chairman  Tennyson Chen, MPBL governor and Pampanga congressman Dong Gonzales, Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 league commissioner Eric Altamirano, and former Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes.

Mascariñas, meanwhile, looks to use the MPBL’s machinery to promote his mission, calling all the 31 teams to help them as well.

“It’s not just me and Senator Manny, it’s all of us. We hope that with this partnership, we will not just spread the values taught by basketball. Through winning or losing, we hope that each and every one of us promotes fair play through competition and, of course, love of country,” he said.

And all of this is done for the Filipino basketball player.

“Having Chooks-to-Go and the MPBL together and combining their resources and talents will help the league be the best, if not the biggest league. It will also help the Filipino athlete showcase their talents and pursue a better life,” said Altamirano. (LO/IAMIGO/CNS)