Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Several head coaches in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament have no qualms over the cancelation of Season 82 due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Kung Fu Reyes, George Pascua, and Norman Miguel all expressed their approval toward the UAAP Board’s decision, saying that it was done for the safety and welfare of the league’s stakeholders.
Though, they were also saddened that Season 82 was terminated especially for the student-athletes.
“It’s sad and also I feel bad for the players but we have to accept it because we have a bigger enemy that we have to beat,” said Reyes, the University of Santo Tomas head coach, who’s also a staff sergeant in the Philippine Army, in Filipino.
“We’re all teammates in this fight because we carry one color and we carry that as a Filipino,” Reyes added.
Reyes is also serving his military duties inside Fort Bonifacio wherein he’s part of the personnel guarding the housing quarters inside the Philippine Army’s general headquarters.
Miguel, National University’s chief tactician, said the cancellation of Season 82 wasn’t just for the players’ safety but for the entire country.
Far Eastern University’s George Pascua echoed Miguel’s sentiments.
“The cancellation of Season 82 is understandable, we are faced with a tough situation,” said Miguel. “It’s for the safety of everyone, not only for the players but for the whole country as well. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
“For me, it was ok that Season 82 was cancelled because this COVID-19 pandemic is no joke,” said Pascua. “Life and health are important.”