Tubod, Lanao del Norte – The Lanao del Norte All-Stars edged out the much-taller World Harvest Team to secure a come-from-behind-victory in a friendly game held last January 5, 2011 at the cavernous Mindanao Civic Center gym, Sagadan, Tubod, this province.


When the buzzer sounded, the home team was on top with the final score of 66-61.


The exhibition game is a joint activity of the provincial government of Lanao del Norte and the World Harvest Sports Ministries.


“We are very happy for the visit of these international players. Their presence here proves that Lanao del Norte is indeed a very safe and peaceful place”, Governor Khalid Dimaporo expressed.


Early before the game, the players went to Gawad Kalinga (GK) Village in Brgy. Waterfalls, Kapatagan for their community outreach activity where they entertained the local residents and children with basketball tricks and a puppet show.


“The Philippines is such a beautiful country and it is my privilege as a Christian to help the local people and the local government improve their situation”, Tom Randall said.


Tom Randall is the director of World Harvest Ministries since 1990 and with his wife Karen have served in the Philippines on projects such as orphanages, youth camps, building crews and basketball teams. In the US, Randall serves as a speaker, entertainer and chaplain for the PGA Champions Tour.

World Harvest Ministries has committed to initially build at least one house in GK Village as their assistance to poor residents in Kapatagan town.  

In February, Lanao del Norte will be hosting the 2011 Palarong Pampook, otherwise known as Northern Mindanao Regional Athletic Association (NMRAA) Meet establishing this fast-rising province as the preferred sporting destination in southern Philippines. VNL/PIO-LDN