Batangas-native LA Tenorio, Ginebra dedicate win to Taal eruption victims

MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra is chasing a bigger goal this time in the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.

LA Tenorio said the Gin Kings are playing not just for themselves but also for the survivors of the Taal Volcano eruption in Batangas.

Tenorio, who hails from Nasugbu, Batangas, said his team is dedicating the championship series to the affected families in Batangas after the hazardous eruption of the volcano on Sunday.

“I told my teammates that we should dedicate this win and hopefully the championship on Friday for our kababayans in Batangas,” said Tenorio after the Gin Kings’ 94-72 Game 4 win Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“Nothing will make our fans in Batangas happier than our championship.”

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Taal Volcano is still on Alert Level 4 and a total of 10,000 families or 43,681 individuals are living in 217 evacuation centers.

Taal’s eruption also caused a total of P74,549,300 of damage to agriculture alone.

Tenorio, whose team now holds a 3-1 series lead over the Bolts, said his relatives in Nasugbu, including his 97-year-old grandfather, are doing fine while some of his cousins are already doing volunteer work.

“To my fellow Filipinos in Batangas, please take care, follow what the officials tell us and make sure to always be prepared for what will happen,” he said.

“Hopefully we can win the championship on Friday to make them smile.”