THE Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU)-led Davao Eagles secondary boys basketball team is set to continue its historic journey as it competes in the Palarong Pambansa 2025, which kicks off Saturday, May 24, in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
AdDU head coach Jess Linus Evangelio shared his high hopes in an interview with SunStar Davao during the regional delegation’s send-off Mass held at Mintal Elementary School on May 16.
“Go for gold!” he said. “We’re working hard, practicing every day to win that gold medal.”
Two weeks ago, the Davao Eagles tested their mettle against the National Capital Region’s Palarong Pambansa team, National University (NU).
“Madikit ang laban namin, natalo kami, pero may import sila na six-10 na hindi rin naman makakapag-Palaro (It was a close game, we lost, but they had a 6-foot-10 import who won’t even be eligible to play in the Palaro,” Evangelio noted. Despite the loss, he expressed full confidence in his players.
“Nanggagaling ang kumpyansa namin sa practice at hard work every day (Our confidence comes from daily practice and hard work),” the Davao Eagles coach said.
Evangelio believes the team is making history, saying it’s been a long time since the AdDU secondary boys basketball team has advanced to the national level.
“I told the boys, they’re history-makers,” he said, referring to their championship runs at the 2025 Davao City Athletic Association (Dcaa) Meet and the Davao Region Athletic Association (Davraa) Meet.
“Very grateful talaga kami na yung batch ng team ko ngayon nakaabot ng Palarong Pambansa (We’re truly grateful that this batch made it to the Palarong Pambansa),” Evangelio added.
The Davao Eagles lineup includes eight senior high school student-athletes and three juniors from AdDU, along with three reinforcements from other schools. Representing AdDU are Rhysus Rafael Bajenting, Rene Clert Barterbonia, Aaron Joash Bayanban, Raissen Boholano, Matt Jerrick Cayetano, Sebastian Delica, Aeron Luague, Jhon Mark Peligrino, Justin Andre Cesar Redulla, and Wess Vincent Tavita. Strengthening the lineup are Michael Brendon Biyo from the Philippine Academy of Sakya, Edvil Christian Mundas from Holy Child College of Davao, and John Mark Sanoria from the Davao del Norte Regional Sports Academy.
The secondary boys’ basketball games will be held at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena. The Davao Eagles will open their campaign against Ilocos Region at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 25, 2025. MLSA
