UNTV Cup’s public service booth, conceptualized by Kuya Daniel Razon, is proving to be a milestone in bringing various government agencies together in providing much-needed assistance to the people.

“Every game day is people’s day,” Kuya Daniel, who is UNTV-BMPI Chairman and CEO, proclaimed in the charity basketball league’s opening last February 11 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

True to his word, Kuya Daniel’s UNTV Cup public service booth continues to provide an array of services beneficial to those attending the games every week. 

Services range from rendering scholarship assistance, responding to inquiries regarding traffic violations and guidelines, granting medical assistance, issuing of health cards, to responding to follow-ups on criminal cases by the booths of local government units (LGU), MMDA, Senate, and PNP booths, respectively.

MMDA personnel provide assistance regarding inquiries on traffic records and violations at the UNTV Cup public service booth. (Leonardo Estabillo / Photoville International)

As more and more people get hooked to the on-court action provided by the UNTV Cup games, there has also been a rapid increase of those assisted by the various participating government agencies. 

The public service booths were able to assist 102 people on its fourth week last Sunday at the Ynares Sports Arena. This was more than twice the number of people given assistance the week before.

The government agencies expressed their commitment to continue providing assistance to the people through the UNTV Cup and invited more people to avail of these services.

Dr. Israel Pargas, PhilHealth’s Officer-in-Charge and Vice President of Corporate Affairs Group, invited the public to watch the games of UNTV Cup every Sunday to receive the free public service on the venue.

“If you have any issues you would like to resolve or anything in mind that you think the government would be of help, you can come here (public service booth), and at the same time, watch the games,” Senate Defender’s head coach and Senate Public Assistance Center chief Lino Ong said.

Meanwhile, beneficaries of UNTV Cup’s public assistance desks have been greatly appreciative of Kuya Daniel’s public service cum basketball league concept. 

“Kuya Daniel, thanks be to God, tomorrow I can claim my medication from the Heart Center. I am also grateful to the Senate because they are always there to provide assistance to those in need, especially to poor people like me,” exclaimed Marilyn Gerolaga, one of those assisted by the Senate assistance booth.

As if the current services are not enough, more public service opportunities are being opened to the public by the basketball league for-a-cause.

The House of Representatives will be giving a chance for the people to suggest laws and measures as UNTV Cup’s basketball action swings to the Meralco Gym this coming Sunday. 

“I invite all UNTV viewers, if you have ideas and if you have suggested bills in mind… you know the power is really with the people,” Rep. Niel Tupas, Jr. of Iloilo’s 5^th District said. “Just let us know what you have in mind and the district you are from, and we will raise it to your congressman.”

(Written by Jerlo Kevin Rialp)