Agusan Sur LGUs serve up camaraderie, sportsmanship in pickleball tournament
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — From serving their respective municipalities to serving the ball on the pickleball court, employees and officials of the local governments of Prosperidad and San Francisco in Agusan del Sur strengthened camaraderie through the 1st Inter-LGU Pickleball Friendship Tournament.
Held on September 15-16, the tournament was organized as part of the 126th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary celebration and in anticipation of Prosperidad’s Angot Festival. The opening games were held at the Prosperidad evacuation center, while the championship matches concluded at the San Francisco municipal gymnasium.
The friendship tournament brought together elected officials, department heads, and LGU employees, highlighting pickleball as one of the world’s fastest-growing sports while promoting employee wellness, teamwork, and work-life balance among public servants.
“We are happy that we finally realized the Pickleball Friendship Game of Prosperidad and San Francisco. Our goal of building healthier, happier, and more connected communities was achieved through this simple sport called pickleball,” said San Francisco Mayor Grace Carmel Paredes Bravo.
For Prosperidad Mayor Frederick Mark P. Mellana, the initiative was inspired by the municipality’s commitment to supporting the mental well-being of government employees.
“Actually, this was suggested by our municipal treasurer, who proposed an Inter-LGU Pickleball Friendship Game. I approved it because it is one way of helping address the mental stress experienced by our employees,” Mellana said.
He explained that the tournament came at a crucial time as LGU offices prepare for the 2027 budget calendar, a period often marked by heavy workloads and long hours of administrative work.
“It serves as an outlet to lessen the stress of our employees because of the busyness brought by the year-end budget preparations. I believe that when we help address their mental stress, they become more productive in performing their duties,” he added.
Mayor Mellana emphasized that the friendship games are not limited to festival or anniversary celebrations, saying the municipalities intend to continue organizing similar activities whenever schedules allow.
“This is neither our first nor our last game. Whenever both LGUs have free time, we are willing to play again because it strengthens our relationship with neighboring municipalities and provides an avenue for offices to exchange best practices while building friendship,” he said.
Mayor Bravo also expressed hope that more municipalities across Agusan del Sur would participate in future editions of the tournament.
“I hope other municipalities will be inspired to join us. Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. There is something special about seeing seasoned athletes play alongside beginners—it shows that the game is not defined by age or fitness level, but by the enthusiasm to play,” Bravo said.
Mayor Mellana noted that while many employees have previously played other sports, pickleball has become an inclusive recreational activity for workers of different ages and fitness levels. He said the sport has encouraged even those with no prior athletic background to become active, build friendships with colleagues, and foster stronger teamwork beyond the workplace.
The Inter-LGU Pickleball Friendship Tournament demonstrated how sports can promote employee wellness, strengthen partnerships between neighboring municipalities, and reinforce the spirit of public service through healthy competition and community connection. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur)
