CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – In a landmark event blending skill and sportsmanship, Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) from the Pampanga Provincial Jail dominated the “National Media vs. Kosa 9-Ball Billiards Tournament,” an innovative initiative by the Camp Olivas PNP Press Corps (COPPC).
The championship round, held on December 19 at the Pampanga Provincial Jail, witnessed a stunning sweep by PDL players in both Class A and Class B categories. Ronnie Gaviola clinched the Class A title, earning a cash prize of P10,000, while Jomar Ramos triumphed in Class B, taking home P7,500. Media representatives Erick Silverio (Manila Times & Centro News) and Sampol Mauricio (Metro News) secured first runner-up positions in Class A and B, respectively, with prizes of P5,000 and P3,500.
The groundbreaking tournament kicked off with media eliminations on December 16 at Karambola Sports Bar in Malolos City, Bulacan. Over a dozen media participants competed, with the top four winning cash prizes: P5,000 (1st), P2,500 (2nd), P1,500 (3rd), and P1,000 (4th). Simultaneously, 32 PDLs (16 in each class) battled in their own eliminations, culminating in an electrifying championship that pitted top media players against the best PDLs, drawing an audience of hundreds.
Warden Alain P. De Leon lauded the event, saying, “Sana po ipagpapatuloy nyo ang magandang proyektong inyong nasimulan, na nakakatulong sa mga kapatid na nalihis ng landas upang maging daan at inspirasyon sa kanilang pagbabagong buhay.” He expressed hope that the event would deepen connections and further rehabilitation efforts.
COPPC President and Daily Tribune reporter Franco G. Ragala thanked Warden De Leon for his unwavering support and commended the media participants for their sportsmanship. He also extended gratitude to Pampanga Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda for providing major prizes, and to other key supporters, including Edna Vitug, former PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde, and Senior Inspector Don Mari Phil B. Frayna of BJMP Region 3.
Special recognition was given to Harold Raymundo, Assistant Project Director for media eliminations and a Mabuhay columnist, for his vital role in the tournament’s success.
The COPPC, a Central Luzon-based organization of national media professionals, emphasized that the tournament served as a unique platform for fostering camaraderie and strengthening bonds between the media and the PDL community. It also underscored the transformative power of sports in promoting rehabilitation and reintegration.
Buoyed by the event’s success, the COPPC aims to organize similar initiatives in the future to further nurture these vital connections.