In the heart of Bohol, a transformation is taking place that has very little to do with the bottom line and everything to do with the next generation.
For the 59-year-old Texan and former Swiss national team skipper, Coach Merv Moore, the scoreboard isn’t measured in dollars, but in the distance his players can go.
Alongside his wife of 27 years, Cambanac Barangay Councilor Lerma Moore, he is building the Bohol Coconuts Baseball & Softball Club with a defining mission: ensuring the youth of Bohol are the focal point of every decision made.
A Pivot from Profit to Purpose
Coach Merv’s journey to Bohol began with a radical choice in 1993: to stop chasing paychecks and start following his passion.
“When I decided to pursue coaching baseball, I knew that meant a more simple life than as a business owner,” Merv explains.
“But I have no regrets. When I looked at the kids in Bohol from low-income families and saw how the odds were stacked against them, I made the decision to dedicate the rest of my life to helping these boys and girls use academics and sports to change their futures.”
With their own children, Hali and SJ, away at college in Manila, Merv and Lerma have poured their energy into a “new” family.
“These kids just need someone to believe in them,” Merv says. “Our youth members will be the focal point of everything we do, and they will have the spotlight.”
Built on a Foundation of Faith and Family
The path to the Coconuts was forged at 30,000 feet. Following a difficult stint coaching in Nepal, Merv found himself on a flight across the Pacific, overwhelmed and considering retirement.
“I became emotional flying across the Pacific Ocean,” Merv reminisced. “I was consumed by emotions and was at a crossroads. I felt it was time for me to retire and do a lot of fishing, but God had other plans for me.”
That plan was to work side-by-side with Lerma to create a sanctuary for local talent.
“I turned down a great opportunity to coach at a sports academy in China in 2017 because my wife’s visa was denied, and I left Bhutan after 17 months for the same reason in 2023,” said Merv.
“But now I get to work with my wife daily and have the opportunity to train kids who have the same DNA as the kids in places like the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Cuba. God works in mysterious ways.”
Global Interest, Local Impact
While the club is rooted in Bohol, it is attracting international attention. Merv is already recruiting mentors from Japan and South Korea, and a unique interest has sparked from North America.
“We have received interest from several Canadian coaches who have shown interest in purchasing an Eco-Lodge suite and taking advantage of the Philippines tourist visa, which can be extended up to three years without ever leaving the country,” Merv noted.
Even as international coaches join the ranks, Merv is clear that they are there to serve the local players.
“My plan is to coach for another 5-6 years, but I want to find some younger coaches to take over once we have a program that is churning out elite baseball and softball prospects.”
The “70/30” Promise: Investing in the Future
To ensure the kids remain the priority, Merv has implemented a strict organizational structure where 70% of the budget is reserved for direct youth benefits.
“I wanted a structure where the operational costs, including staff salaries, was limited to 30% of the budget,” Merv explains.
“I want the remaining 70% of the budget to go towards the kids—free meals, academic contests and field trips, social activities, sports equipment, evening study hall, free uniforms, and scholarships.”
Lerma emphasizes that the goal is holistic development. “We want to do more than teach kids baseball and softball,” she says.
“Every kid deserves a chance to chase their dream, but too many kids here stopped dreaming because of poverty. Our club will benefit the entire community and the kids will have options when it comes to following their dreams.”
The Road Ahead
Though currently in Texas on a fundraising mission, Merv’s heart is already back on the island. He is adamant that when the gates open, he will not be the center of attention.
“When I return to Bohol, it will be all about the kids,” Merv says firmly.
“I prefer to work behind the scenes and Lerma and Doodz (Diosdado Banua, Coconuts office manager) will be the face of the club. Our youth members will be the focal point of everything we do.”
Although though Coach Merv anticipates arriving back in Bohol next month, he is securing much-needed funds and sponsorships to avoid being an organization that is dependent on donations to survive.
“The Coconuts are building a self-sustaining business model that will allow the club to not just grow, but to flourish,” added Lerma.
“My husband wants to focus on developing elite teenage prospects when he comes back to Boholo, and avoid the never-ending cycle of begging for donations.”
By blending elite athletic training with unwavering community support, the Bohol Coconuts are proving that when you stop chasing money and start chasing dreams, everyone wins—especially the kids.
