PBA in campaign drive against coronavirus spread

League issues guidelines for players to back health protocols

As part of its drive to help the country in its fight against COVID-19, the Philippine Basketball Association is encouraging players, coaches and officials of all 12 teams to take a more active role in urging fans to support governmentmandated health protocols.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said yesterday as an institution, the league should be able to contribute to the nation’s overall effort to end the pandemic.

“Ang pinaglalaban natin dito is for all to be safe, at maibaba pa natin ang numero ng mga kaso sa COVID-19. Kasi bilang isang bansa kailangan tulungang tayo sa paglaban,” said Marcial in an interview with Manila Bulletin.

“Siyempre gusto natin makabalik na, hindi lang ang basketball, kundi yung buong ekonomiya sa bansa. Hirap na din ang mga tao ngayong pandemic. Makakabalik tayo kung maibaba ang kaso. Kaya malaking bagay ang pagtutulungan ng lahat ng Pilipino.”

Last Tuesday, Marcial issued a guideline to the12 ballclubs regarding its campaign for the return of games and public information to help lower COVID-19 cases in the country.

In the guideline, which is part of its bid to return to the playing court through scrimmages and games, the PBA launched multi-media campaigns that aim to “highlight the public’s clamor for the league’s return” and “inform and remind the public” on responsibility and duty to follow the health protocols.

Marcial said that part of the campaign is the #PBAItuloyAngLaban that he asked players, coaches and officials to add to their social media posts.

“We hope to return to the hardcourt as soon as possible. Together, we can make it happen,” said Marcial.

The league chief is set to meet tomorrow Batangas City Mayor Beverly Dimacuha and Rep. Marvey Mariño at the Batangas City Coliseum on the possibility of starting scrimmages for PBA teams.