Philippine delegates cheer during the opening ceremony of the 30th South East Asian Games at the Philippine Arena, Bulacan province, northern Philippines on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
MANILA, Philippines — Al Panlilio, the first vice president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, will make sure that no time will be wasted in the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines for the country’s national athletes.
Panlilio, who also serves as president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, has been appointed by POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino to spearhead the vaccine procurement.
“First of all, I’d like to express my gratitude, on behalf of all national athletes, to the Olympic Solidarity and Association of National Olympic Committees through the Olympic Council of Asia for their generosity and POC President Bambol Tolentino entrusting me to be the Chairman for the POC’s Task Force on COVID-19 Vaccine Procurement,” said Panlilio in a statement Wednesday.
“The POC understands how important it is to inoculate our national athletes not just for their physical well-being but psychologically as well. Getting this done at the soonest possible time will allow them to solely focus on their preparations.”
Filipino athletes bound for the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam in November are expected to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
“I’ve already assembled a group to help me with this task in Dr. George Canlas, Atty. Billy Sumagui, Bones Floro, and Dinah Remolacio of the POC and we’ll also be working with Os Dela Paz, the Chief Procurement Officer of PLDT,” said Panlilio.
“So to our athletes, we hope you’re safe and healthy wherever you are right now. The vaccines will be on the way soon.”
Filipino Tokyo Olympians have already been assured of getting inoculated after billionaire business tycoon Enrique Razon offered to donate Moderna jabs for the Philippine delegation.