The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and the Philippine Sports Association for the Differently Abled (PHILSPADA) NPC Philippines have officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote and develop wheelchair basketball across the nation.

The agreement was signed at the SBP headquarters in Mandaluyong City by SBP Executive Director Erika Dy and PHILSPADA President Michael I. Barredo, with PHILSPADA Secretary General Godofredo Custodio as a witness. This strategic partnership aims to foster cooperation between the two organizations in advancing opportunities for differently abled athletes, coaches, and officials in the sport of basketball.

A Commitment to Inclusivity and National Development

“This partnership is a commitment to inclusivity, national development, and the transformative power of basketball,” said Erika Dy. “SBP is proud to stand with PHILSPADA in creating platforms where every athlete, regardless of ability, has the chance to excel in the sport of basketball.”

Under the agreement, SBP will provide access to professional training and development opportunities for PHILSPADA coaches, as well as support for events, clinics, and tournaments. Both organizations have pledged to co-develop and manage inclusive programs, improve access to basketball venues, and jointly promote wheelchair basketball as a vital component of the country’s basketball ecosystem.

PHILSPADA’s Vision for Equality in Basketball

“This MOU is more than just a document—it is a pledge to uphold equality in basketball,” added Michael I. Barredo. “PHILSPADA is excited to work alongside SBP in building a more inclusive sporting future with wheelchair basketball. Wheelchair basketball is basketball, and Filipinos love basketball.”

This collaboration represents a significant step in advancing opportunities for the differently-abled in sports. PHILSPADA and SBP are focused on breaking barriers and ensuring that athletes of all abilities have access to the same resources and platforms to compete at the highest levels.

A Long-Term Partnership with Shared Values

The partnership will run up to the end of the current Olympic cycle in August 2028, guided by shared values of collaboration, respect, and autonomy. The MOU outlines a comprehensive framework for mutual support, communication, and sustainability, with both parties working toward growing and developing basketball across all levels in the country.

As both organizations look ahead, they reaffirm their shared mission: to grow and develop basketball in the Philippines by ensuring that the sport is accessible to all, regardless of physical ability. This agreement not only boosts wheelchair basketball but also sets a precedent for other sports organizations to build more inclusive athletic programs.

Looking Ahead to a More Inclusive Future

This partnership signifies a new chapter in Philippine sports, where inclusivity and equality are prioritized alongside the growth and development of athletes. By focusing on wheelchair basketball, the SBP and PHILSPADA are paving the way for future generations of athletes to compete, inspire, and change the face of sports in the Philippines.