MPBL’s Villahermosa serving as Army frontliner during pandemic

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — While some athletes are using their free time by working out inside their homes, Mar Villahermosa is on the frontline helping during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Villahermosa, who last played for Bacolod in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, is serving his duty with the Philippine Army, distributing relief goods to vulnerable communities hampered by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

“It feels so good that I’ve got to serve my country in this trying time, especially now that I’m distributing relief goods,” said Villahermosa who averaged 8.0 points in 16 games for the Sardines.

“It’s a great feeling because you’re making people smile even in the simplest of ways,” added Villahermosa in Filipino.

His duty, however, prevented private first class Villahermosa from spending time with his family.

Villahermosa has been staying at Special Services Center in the Army’s general headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.

Fortunately, Villahermosa has his mobile devices with him, allowing him to still communicate with his wife and daughter.

“Thank God for technology, I can communicate with my wife and daughter through messaging apps because since Day 1 of the ECQ I haven’t been home,” said Villahermosa who joined the Army in 2016 as skilled personnel.

Now a free agent, Villahermosa said he’s already in talks with several teams.

His focus right now, though, is to help his fellow Filipinos.

“There are teams talking to me but my focus is with the Army, helping the nation to defeat COVID-19,” said the former San Beda Red Lion.