Davao — The city’s football community is set to unite in a heartfelt tribute to one of its most influential figures, the late Professor Erwin Protacio. On July 18–19, 2026, the University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao will host the "EP Legacy Football Cup" at its Mintal, Bago Oshiro campus, bringing together roughly 60 teams for a tournament dedicated to the coach’s life work. More than just a competition, the event aims to preserve the vision of a man who was widely regarded as a pillar of Mindanaoan football, fostering grassroots development and building a lasting community through the beautiful game.
A Pillar of Mindanaoan Football
The passing of Professor Erwin Protacio on February 16, 2026, left a profound void in the regional sports landscape, but his impact remains deeply embedded in the programs he helped build. As a former president of the Davao-South Regional Football Association (DRFA) and a member of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Board of Governors, Prof. Protacio was instrumental in elevating football standards in Mindanao. Beyond his administrative roles, he was a dedicated mentor and coach at UP Mindanao since 1996, where he championed coaching education, referee development, and the construction of high-quality facilities. His legacy is defined by his generosity and commitment to providing young athletes with the resources and training they needed to compete, often despite significant logistical challenges.
Fostering Resilience and Character
For the athletes who trained under him, football was never just about wins and losses; it was a classroom for life. Eula Ganir, a former UP Mindanao goalkeeper who played under Coach Protacio, remembers him as a mentor who taught that success is forged through teamwork, patience, and grit. The Legacy Cup aims to carry forward this character-building mission, emphasizing that every player—from the last line of defense in goal to the strikers up front—is vital to the team's collective endurance. By gathering 60 teams across seven divisions, the tournament provides a platform for young boys and girls to learn these same lessons, ensuring that the culture of mutual support and discipline that Protacio cultivated continues to thrive.
The Future of Davao Grassroots
The EP Legacy Football Cup is a testament to the strong connections Coach Protacio forged among players, alumni, and sports stakeholders throughout his decades of service. Partnering with the UP Mindanao Football Club, the UP Kinetics department, and the UP Vanguard Inc.-Davao Chapter, the event organizers are working to ensure that the sport remains accessible and vibrant at the grassroots level. As the Davao football community prepares for the tournament, the focus remains on celebrating a man who believed that sports could change lives. The Cup serves as a reminder that while the coach may be gone, his advocacy for Philippine football continues through the next generation of players, coaches, and administrators who carry his values onto the field.
