FOUNDER. USA-based Friends of Female Footballers (FFF) founder Julia Benitez continues her dedication to helping girls in third-world countries empower themselves through football. With the help of his dad Eric Benitez, she is helping seek funding for the coming FFF-Tahche Girls Power Christmas Futsal Festival on Dec. 21-22 at the Bulua National School gym in Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental. (FFF.com website)
MindanaoToday.com | FFF-Tahche Girls Futsal Festival vs Teen Pregnancy set in Bulua
By: Jack Biantan
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Some 30 teenagers give birth in Northern Mindanao daily, according to a recent report by the Commission of Population and Development (CPD).
The report that the Philippine Information Agency published said that from 2020 to 2024, the total number of live births among teens reached 11,020 translating to about 30 adulescents giving birth daily. The report further stated that there is an increase in young adolescents aged 10-14 years old giving birth.
Thus, Eric Benitez of US-based NGO Friends of Female Footballers (FFF), and Bryan Luoma of Tahche, also a US-based offshore recruitment and management company
Filipino girls, particularly here in Misamis Oriental, to empower themselves and engage them in sports to help curb teen pregnancy. (From Tahche website)
that has offices in Cebu City and Pasig City, have teamed up with two local football clubs, the Lumbia Raptors FC and the Bulua Strikers FC, to organize a two-day
futsal tournament for girls to spread awareness against teen pregnancy.
According to Bryan Luoma, the CEO and corporate sponsor of the tournament, the FFF-Tahche Girl Power Christmas Futsal Festival set on Dec. 21-22 at the Bulua gym in
Cagayan de Oro City Misamis Oriental aims to positively impact the youth and prevent teenage pregnancy in the region by empowering and engaging young girls in sports.
DESTINED PARTNERSHIP AMONG VISIONARIES
Luoma’s involvement in this initiative comes through his connection with Eric Benitez, a fellow member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) group in New York City.
Both Luoma and Benitez share a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of Filipinos, and when Benitez introduced Luoma to the project, it was a natural fit.
“Eric told me about the futsal tournament in December in Mindanao. This is the exact type of event we would love to take part in.” Luoma shared, mentioning how he
immediately said ‘Yes!” to his friend’s corporate sponsorship proposal for the upcoming event.
THE DRIVE BEHIND TAHCHE’S SPONSORSHIP
For Luoma, this partnership reflects his company’s dedication to uplifting the Filipino community, especially those who live in Mindanao where part of his family hails from.
Despite living most of his life in the U.S., Luoma has always maintained a strong connection with the Philippines, where he has established his business operations.
Aside from the corporate sponsorship for the futsal tournament in December, Luoma is also in talks about building a long-time partnership with the event organizers.
BUILDING MOMENTUM FOR A LASTING IMPACT
As the December futsal tournament draws near, Luoma is exploring ways to engage even further. He has mobilized Tahche’s team to help work through the event logistics, and he’s even involving his family to represent Tahche on the ground.
With Luoma’s support, the local partners can look forward to creating memorable and impactful experiences for the young girls of Cagayan de Oro.
ABOUT BRYAN AND ERIC
Founded over 12 years ago, Tahche helps U.S. and international businesses build world-class teams in the Philippines by connecting them with top-notch Filipino professionals and providing end-to-end recruitment and management support. Under Luoma’s leadership, the company has grown steadily, now having over 400 employees in its offices in Cebu City and Pasig City, Philippines.
Aside from running his business, Luoma has continuously supported initiatives that make a difference in Filipino communities, partnering with local organizations such as Habitat for Humanity Philippines and Banilad Elementary School in Cebu City.
FRIENDS OF FEMALE FOOTBALLERS
The Friends of Female Footballers, is a US-based NGO that helps young girls in third-world countries improve their lives through football. The New Jersey, USA-based NGO, through its active member Eric Benitez has been helping the local female footballers, particularly the Lumbia Raptors Football Club girls team.
FFF was founded by Eric Benitez’s daughter Julia, who was a member of the Philippine National Youth team two years ago. They have given the Lumbia Raptors FC girls futsal shoes, footballs, and jerseys. Eric Benitez, through his Monacle Group company, also sponsored the 1st FFF-Monocle Group Futsal Tournament last January, also in Bulua National High School gym. He also sponsored another futsal tournament last summer in Ginggoog City.
“Every goal scored represents a step towards empowering our youth and making informed choices for a brighter tomorrow,” Julia said about this tournament. He added that through teamwork and community, we can address important issues like teen pregnancy and create a supportive environment for all young people.
“FFF invites you to the “Kick for Change” Futsal Tournament – a dynamic sports event where we come together to promote a healthy future and fight against teen pregnancy,” she said.
Close to 60 teams in six categories from all over Mindanao and the Visayas have already signed up to join the two-day competition. Competitions will be for Girls 17 (2007), Girls 15 (2009), and Girls 12 (2012) on Dec. 21 and the Women’s Open. Girls 16 (2008), and Girls 14 (2010) on Dec. 22.
The deadline for the submission of all entries and the required papers will be on Dec. 14. (jackbiantantambok@gmail.com)
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