Liga sa Barangay: Benefits, values developed and challenges

The Liga sa Barangay is a grassroots-level basketball tournament in the Philippines, organized at the barangay (community) level to promote sportsmanship, community engagement, and youth development. This study investigated the perceived benefits, values developed, and challenges experienced by 65 youth participants of the Liga sa Barangay basketball tournament in Panay, Capiz. Utilizing a descriptive mixed-method design, the research combined structured survey data with qualitative insights from in-depth interview. Findings revealed that the tournament contributed significantly to the physical, social, and emotional development of participants. Key benefits included improved physical fitness, enhanced social connections, better communication skills, teamwork, discipline, and the ability to manage both success and failure. Moderate gains such as time management and problem-solving skills further demonstrate the program’s holistic impact. The study also found that core values such as teamwork, discipline, and respect for opponents were strongly cultivated through participation. Players reported growth in self-esteem, sportsmanship, and emotional maturity. Moderately observed values included determination and acceptance of failure, while emotional regulation and sense of community were less emphasized, highlighting potential areas for tournaments improvement. On the other hand, mental challenges emerged as the most pressing concerns, including difficulty focusing under pressure, emotional reactions to losses, and overthinking. Despite these, low occurrences of motivational issues suggest that community support remains strong. Overall, the Liga sa Barangay stood out as more than just a recreational activity—it is a strategic initiative that fosters youth empowerment, character-building, and personal growth, while also highlighting the need for enhanced mental and emotional support systems.