The National Intercollegiate Forum for Athletes (NIFA), in partnership with Bangko Maharlika, held the Awarding of Crypto Rewards last September 11, 2025, at the Sky Dome, SM North EDSA. The event was organized to give direct support to student-athletes and their schools, recognizing both their academic and athletic efforts.

Each recipient has been awarded 100,000 MHLKBANGKO, an increase from the earlier commitment of 20,000 tokens. With its intrinsic value pegged at 1 EURO per token, the allocation provides meaningful financial support as student-athletes prepare for the realities of a future shaped by artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

During the program, participants were introduced to:

  • Why AI and other technologies have made Universal Basic Income programs necessary worldwide.
  • The people and institutions behind Bangko Maharlika’s initiatives.
  • The real-world assets backing the cryptocurrency they received.
  • How to recognize and guard against scams misusing the Maharlika trademark.
  • The ecosystem and channels where the crypto rewards can be used.
  • The announcement that Adidas has joined the ecosystem as a brand partner.
  • The scheduled launch of the Parmon Payment Network app this November, which will expand practical use of the rewards.

For those who have not yet received their crypto certificate, please coordinate with your coaches or school administrators for guidance on claiming.

NIFA extends its gratitude to Mr. Paul Infante Moñozca, Chairman of Bangko Maharlika and American Basketball Association (ABA) Global, whose generosity and vision made this program possible. His leadership has been central in ensuring that Filipino athletes are included in forward-looking initiatives tied to digital assets and UBI.

We also thank Mr. Sherwin Yanzy Enriquez, CEO of NIFA, who celebrated his birthday on the same day as the awarding ceremony. His commitment to developing opportunities for athletes through technology and innovation has helped bring this initiative to life.

The awarding event reflects our shared goal of giving student-athletes not just recognition in sports, but also tangible tools to support their education and career paths in a changing world.