The Aboitiz Football Cup (AFC), the longest-running grassroots football league organized by Aboitiz, officially launched its season 24 on August 22, 2024,
DAVAO CITY – The Aboitiz Football Cup (AFC) is expanding its reach to Davao City, marking a significant milestone for the longest-running grassroots football tournament in the Philippines. The inaugural AFC Davao festival will take place over the weekend of October 26 to 27, 2024, at the Tionko Football Field.
The AFC Davao festival is hosted by Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) and its water business unit, Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (Apo Agua), in partnership with the Aboitiz Foundation, Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI), RSA 1 Sports Group, and the Davao-South Regional Football Association (DSRFA). It also receives support from Davao-based AboitizPower subsidiaries Davao Light and Power Corporation, Therma South, Inc., and Hedcor.
“Davao has always held a special place for the Aboitiz Group, from our decades of operation with Davao Light to the establishment of Cleanergy Park and the recent operations of Apo Agua. We cherish our connection with the community and are thrilled to bring the Aboitiz Football Cup here. The AFC is about more than just football; it’s about uniting people, nurturing young talent, and enjoying the game. We can’t wait to see the energy and passion Davaoeños will bring to this beloved tradition,” said Shake Tuason, Apo Agua Head of Operations.
The annual AFC promotes grassroots sports development and community engagement, particularly among the youth. With roots in Cebu and a well-established leg at the Aboitiz Pitch in Batangas, the AFC is expanding its reach to connect with the nationwide football community, with Davao as its latest leg. Notably, two select winning teams from the Davao festival will compete against teams from Luzon and Visayas in a culminating exhibition game in Cebu in February 2025.
“The Aboitiz Football Cup offers an exceptional platform for our young players to showcase their skills while developing essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and leadership. It also fosters lasting friendships and the joy of being part of a team. We are excited to collaborate with Aboitiz InfraCapital to nurture the next generation through the beautiful game of football,” said Ernesto Ortonio, Jr., President of DSRFA.
This season also introduces the Wasteless Campaign, which integrates CCBPI’s “Tapon to Ipon: Basta Klaro, Panalo!” program, promoting environmental stewardship and responsible waste management. Participants at the AFC Davao festival are encouraged to collect and recycle clear PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles at designated drop-off sites, in exchange for Coca-Cola products.
“Tapon to Ipon: Basta Klaro, Panalo! is our flagship nationwide program aimed at supporting communities’ waste management systems by establishing partnerships and collection hubs for post-consumer clear PET plastic bottles, regardless of brand. Through our partnership with the Aboitiz Football Cup, we continue to harness the power of teamwork to foster waste-free communities,” stated CCBPI VP for Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Atty. Juan Lorenzo Tañada during the AFC Season 24 launch in Cebu.
“This season’s integration of the Wasteless Campaign reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability and collective action. By merging sportsmanship with environmental stewardship, we aim to inspire a new generation of Filipinos to actively preserve our planet,” added Aboitiz Foundation President Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar at the same launch.
The AFC’s expansion to Davao builds on the tournament’s legacy of grassroots sports and community development, reflecting the city’s dynamic growth and vibrant diversity. The festival promises to bring together young athletes, families, and sports enthusiasts, nurturing local talent, promoting healthy lifestyles, and strengthening the community bonds that make Davao special.
