SBP honors Moying Martelino for his role as senior consultant

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has honored one of the veteran executives of the game for his continuing services last Monday.

Mauricio "Moying" Martelino, acknowledged as one of the elder statesmen in sports governance, was given a plaque of appreciation for his role as the SBP's senior consultant, in which he held for nine years from 2011-2020.

In paying tribute to Martelino, the SBP praised his loyal and invaluable service not just to the federation, but also to the game of basketball in the country, by providing his expertise and experience.

No stranger in holding office in various sports, the Ateneo-educated Martelino was first thrusted to the scene as the secretary-general of the old Philippine Bowling Congress, but it was his role in basketball that made him known as one of the top sports administrators in the land.

He worked his way up in the old Basketball Association of the Philippines (SBP's forerunner) from being its finance officer to its secretary-general, as well as being the executive director of the organizing committee when the World Championship was held here in 1978.

At the same time, Martelino was used to wear different hats, as it was proven in his role in public relations that he was sought after by the sportswriters, particularly being in charge of the press center in two Southeast Asian Games (1981 and 2005) that the country hosted.

He then became the secretary general of FIBA Asia's predecessor, the Asian Basketball Confederation, from 1991-98, and continued his involvement in sports by being one of the three men behind the Sports Vision that organizes the Premier Volleyball League on its origins as the Shakey's V-League at the turn of the century before the SBP came calling.

FILE PHOTO: Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas