Alaska coach Jeffrey Cariaso. INQUIRER PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO
MANILA, Philippines—Alaska head coach Jeffrey Cariaso has pledged to help PBA’s non-regular employees in their financial needs after the league went into a hiatus amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cariaso took to his social media accounts to announce his initiative and his word quickly spread to some of the players in the PBA, who have also offered to help.
“To coincide with the PBA’s initiative to support those people who are not regular employees, I am making a pledge to donate 100 thousand to our hardworking PBA game day personnel who are severely affected by the cancellation/delay of our season,” posted Cariaso.
His act caught the attention of NLEX’ Kiefer Ravena, TNT’s Harvey Carey, and Meralco teammates Cliff Hodge and Nico Salva.
Hodge immediately told Cariaso that he would donate P20,000 while Salva also extended his help.
“My goal is to make up at least two months worth of wages for those individuals relying heavily on the games,” tweeted Cariaso. “If anyone would like to help out, God bless you.”
Players and coaches are guaranteed their salaries despite the league suspension but game-day personnel rely on allowances during scheduled matches.