NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao. INQUIRER PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO
MANILA, Philippines — It took a ton of calls and deliberation but the PBA ultimately chose Clark, Pampanga as the venue for its bubble restart and there was one person who provided a sustained push for it to happen.
NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao is a man that needs to be listened to when he talks and he played a key part in helping Clark officials in their bid to host the PBA season resumption come September 26.
“I was in constant touch with Commissioner Willie Marcial and Clark has all the logistical advantage and requirements,” said Guiao in a Zoom conversation with Inquirer Sunday.
Guiao added Rodrigo Franco, the President of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation and NLEX Corporation, was the one who pushed the idea of having Clark as the host of the PBA and that Vince Dizon, Chairman of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, and Clark Development Corporation Noel Manankil supported the idea.
The former Gilas coach added Clark is close to his heart not only because it’s in his home province of Pampanga but it was also his advocacy to help develop Clark during his time as a congressman and vice governor.
Guiao held the vice governor seat of Pampanga from 2004 to 2013 and was the 1st District Representative from 2013 until 2016.
“I’m actually happy and we’re very excited for the start of the season and conference and also because it’s being done in Clark,” said Guiao. “Clark has been my advocacy since I was in politics and it’s my home district.”
The PBA is expected to arrive at Quest Hotel in Clark on Sept. 26 with official scrimmages starting the day after with the games set to begin on Oct. 9.
With double headers getting staged every day, the league is expected to finish by mid-December.
Guiao said the development of Clark isn’t just meant for sports but also in the socio-economical aspect.
“The development of Clark was not only in terms of sports but what it can contribute to the economy and to the Philippines in general,” said Guiao. “We want to play and entertain the Filipinos and at the same time it’ll be done in Pampanga.”