Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, United States forces and residents of San Vicente, Sta. Ana, Cagayan joined a friendly basketball game dubbed “Ligang Bayanihan” on 21 February, the AFP reported Sunday.

The AFP said the activity celebrated the longstanding partnership between the Philippines and the United States, highlighting shared values, security cooperation and friendship.

Each team was composed of US forces, AFP personnel and local residents, promoting camaraderie and teamwork on the newly painted basketball court of San Vicente.

The court features murals by artist Kiefsix inspired by the Filipino concept of bayanihan and depicting the enduring ties between the two nations.

The San Vicente community welcomed the players and expressed appreciation for the activity, describing it as a celebration of friendship, teamwork and shared purpose.

Cagayan Governor’s Chief of Staff Pipes Buena Jr. led the ceremonial jump ball and awarding rites and delivered a message on behalf of Gov. Edgar B. Aglipay.

He said the activity supports the provincial government’s mandate to maintain peace, prevent conflict and ensure public safety, and commended the Philippine and US forces for engaging directly with communities.

“To our Armed Forces and US Forces, thank you for not only strengthening defense capabilities but also for engaging directly with our communities,” Buena said.

The province also called for unity and collective action to safeguard sovereignty, promote awareness on the West Philippine Sea and empower the youth through constructive engagement.

An information awareness drive on the West Philippine Sea was conducted during the event, aimed at informing grassroots communities about what organizers described as China’s illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive activities in the contested waters.

Special guests included actor and model Gab Lagman and Filipino streetballer Erricson Gabay, known as “The Reaper,” who also joined the games.

The winning team received a trophy from event organizers and officials of the Philippine and US armed forces.

The Ligang Bayanihan was organized by the 1st Civil Relations Group of the Civil Military Operations Command AFP, the 17th Infantry Battalion, Naval Base Camilo Osias and Marine Battalion Landing Team 10, with support from US forces.