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MANILA, Philippines — Meralco is pushing through with its original plan of holding a 10-day training camp in Laoag, Ilocos Norte despite Metro Manila being put under general community quarantine.
In a post on social media on Sunday, the Bolts said they will hold a closed-circuit training camp at Laoag Centennial Arena, once a venue of the PBA All-Star Game, while staying at Fort Ilocandia Resort and Hotel to begin their preparation for the coming season.
PBA clubs are technically allowed to practice at their old training venues in Metro Manila with the government easing lockdown protocols in the region following nearly a month-long enhanced community quarantine that once more put sporting activities to a halt in the National Capital Region.
Despite that, Meralco chose Laoag as its players and staff completed the required two RT-PCR tests needed under PBA protocols in holding practices.
Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Manotoc also extended an invitation to all PBA teams interested to hold their camps in the region.
“Our goal is to lead the way and show how sports and safety can go hand in hand,” wrote the team on Instagram. “Back to basketball together, leading the way together, staying safe together.”
Anjo Caram, John Pinto, Aaron Black, Trevis Jackson, Chris Newsome, Bong Quinto, Allein Maliksi, Alvin Pasaol, Michael Cañete, Mac Belo, Cliff Hodge, Toto Jose, Rey Hugnatan, Raymond Almazan, Jammer Jamito, and Nonoy Baclao make up the roster that would go to Laoag.
While the team trains in Laoag, the management made sure that the players will still be able to train at Meralco Gym.
Team management submitted a letter of clearance to the Pasig Local Government Unit that would allow the Bolts to resume its practices and scrimmages in Ortigas.