THE Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) sought clarification and guidance from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. on existing rules and regulations of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on contact sports such as basketball.
PBA Commissioner Willy Marcial on Tuesday paid a courtesy call to Abalos at the agency’s headquarters in Makati City.
They discussed ways to forge stronger coordination particularly during time of pandemic.
“Basketball is the Filipinos’ national past time,” Abalos said. “But there is no denying that the PBA is struggling now because of the pandemic.”
Abalos vowed to help the PBA and the basketball industry as a whole.
He said that they will work on certain aspects that will be acceptable by the IATF, ensuring that minimum health protocols being implemented by the government will be strictly observed.
“We have to ensure the safety of everyone, not only the players, but the general viewing public,” Abalos said. “We cannot compromise the health and well-being of all.”
The shutdown of the PBA during the pandemic have affected the livelihood of families employed by the sports organization and its member teams.
The association is eyeing training in Metro Manila as its quarantine status eased to general community quarantine with heightened restrictions.
Marcial, on the other hand, pledged strict compliance with minimum health standards once the PBA gets green light to proceed with its 46th season.