Iloilo all set to host 2006 PFF National Men's Senior Championship
With almost ten days to go before the opening of the most prestigious football event of 2006, all committees have been very busy preparing as the first batch of delegates set to arrive February 18, 2006. This was revealed by Iloilo Football Association (IFA)General Secretary Joseph Gensaya to this paper.
Expected to arrive first will be the officiating officials together with the match commissioners and referees inspectors who will be billeted at the Belle View Pension at Jaro.
Defending champion National Capital Region (NCR), represented by the Philippine Army, is the heavy favorite to retain the crown. Ironically, majority of its players comes from Iloilo particularly from football crazy Barotac Nuevo. However they will face stiff resistance from last year's runner up, Negros Occidental FA and host Iloilo which is determined to dethrone them. Other teams set to participate are Baguio FA, Masbate FA who will represent Luzon, while Mindanao Champions Zamboanga FA and surprising North Cotabato FA completes the eight team cast.
Opening ceremonies will be held at the Lapaz Football Field on February 21 at 2 p.m. with Team Iloilo playing against an undetermined team yet. Participating teams and officials will be housed at the Iloilo Sports Complex covered gym and at the Btac. Nuevo Training Center.
Aside from the prestigious tournament, Iloilo will be the venue of the Philippine Football Federation Congress on February 25 at the Four Season Hotel. Said congress will be a gathering of thirty five member association presidents and their secretary generals who will discuss the football program of the country and other forthcoming events which will be hosted by the Philippines. This will be the first time that Iloilo will host said congress that convenes every two years.
This football event was organized by the Iloilo Football Association (IFA), supported by Gov. Niel D. Tupas Sr. and also with the backing of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas,