GAB not lowering its guard against COVID-19

Photo from PSA

MANILA, Philippines — The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) warned against complacency amid news of COVID-19 vaccine distribution in other countries.

GAB chair Abraham Mitra stressed that until there is already a vaccine available, health and safety protocols must still be strictly followed by Filipinos particularly the athletes, coaches and others who are under the government agency’s watch.

“We cannot relax,” said Mitra during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum.

“We must continue to stay safe. And we at GAB will make sure that we remind them.”

Mitra said a coordination meeting with representatives from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Department of Health (DOH) had already taken place on Friday.

“There are supplemental guidelines coming out aside from the JAO (joint administrative order). But it was just an initial meeting. We will meet again.”

Mitra has high hopes for Philippine sports in the coming year.

“Despite the pandemic, sports stayed alive. Thanks to the IATF, boxing resumed, then the PBA, Chooks-to-Go 3×3, NBL (National Basketball League), and the PFL (Philippines Football League),” he said. “Beach volleyball is coming back. We are very excited. We’re looking at 2021 as a banner. We’re eager,” said Mitra.

In another step toward normalcy, the IATF on Tuesday granted the Philippine Olympic Committee’s proposal to allow national athletes to resume their training in a bubble setting amid the pandemic.

“Just like the economy, we want Philippine sports to be back on its feet the soonest time,” Mitra said.