Different lifeline for muay bets

The Muaythai Association of the Philippines (MAP) is offering members of the national team an opportunity to create their own businesses and improve their finances amid the coronavirus health crisis.

MAP secretary general Pearl Managuelod has released a list of supplemental livelihood programs that the muay national squad can avail of, including loans for home-based business, delivery services, digital employment and online classes for those who want to go back to school.

“Give man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime,’’ Managuelod said, borrowing the brainy quote of ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu.

For home-based business loans, the muay association is offering a P15,000-capital for athletes and coaches who wish to put up a neighborhood variety store and sell homemade products, among others.

If they opt to begin a food delivery business, Managuelod said the “Angat Kapadyak: Cycle for a Living’’ is fit for them where the association provides a bicycle with complete accessories plus P3,000 payable in one year without interest.

“It’s meant to empower the athletes to become entrepreneurial and encourage them to pursue interests that could be lucrative during and after their athletic careers,’’ Managuelod said.

Known as the MAP-angkabuhayan Sa Gitna ng COVID-19, the program for digital earning will supply athletes and coaches with a laptop and portable Wi-Fi to pursue a career as a call center agent or an online profession conducting muay classes.

“We’ve had four home-based business loans so far. We’re in the process of approving them,’’ Managuelod said.The back-to-school program entitles national muay members a one-time loan of P15,000 with no interest. INQ