THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) men’s basketball team open division seized for the 3rd time the 2017 Government Corporations Athletic Association (GCAA) basketball championship title with its 84-79 victory over its opponent, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

Both teams were determined to win the championship game. Players from both teams showed a lot of courage, pride and heart as they played. But with good defense, team work, and the support of the enthusiastic PhilHealth employees which gave the players a boost of confidence and eagerness to win, Team PhilHealth brought home the championship title.

Mark Pedroso was named the most valuable player of Team PhilHealth for three consecutive years. He scored 32 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds. In preparation for the championship game, Pedroso said that they practiced a lot and followed a strict diet and did exercises, as well.

He also said that the win would not have been possible without team effort, citing the three-point-shots made by Ian Mazo, shared points, rebounds and assists from Jonathan Aldave, Randy Pagon, among other team members.

This year’s GCAA overall champion is the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Other participating agencies are Social Security System and Land Bank of the Philippines.

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The GCAA is conducted annually to promote camaraderie and sportsmanship among government employees. END (Faudia H. Subillaga, photos by: Jose Mari Sanvicente)

(Reference: Dr. Israel Francis A. Pargas, Head Executive Assistant and Concurrent OIC-Vice President for Corporate Affairs Group, Cel No. 0917-8089399)