MMDA: PBA seek guidance as it eyes training in Metro

PHOTO COURTESY OF MMDA. From left, MMDA chairman Benhur Abalos Jr., PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) sought assistance from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) as the league seeks to conduct training in the Metro, the agency revealed  Tuesday.

MMDA chief Benhur Abalos Jr. said that PBA commissioner Willie Marcial paid a courtesy call on the agency’s headquarters in Makati on Tuesday to discuss ways to resume training of the athletes safely now that the region is under the general community quarantine (GCQ).

Last month, PBA allowed players to form training bubbles in modified GCQ areas.

“Basketball is the Filipinos’ national pastime,” Abalos said in a statement. “But there is no denying that the PBA is struggling now because of the pandemic.”

MMDA said that Marcial sought clarification to Abalos with regard to the rules and regulations set by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on contact sports such as basketball.

Abalos vowed to work on some actions which will be acceptable by the IATF to ensure that the health protocols being implemented by the government shall be observed.

Marcial also pledged compliance to health protocols to keep players and officials safe once their request gets the green light, according to the agency.

The PBA is looking to open its delayed 46th season in June.

“We have to ensure the safety of everyone, not only the players, but the general viewing public.” Abalos noted. “We cannot compromise the health and well-being of all.”