PB calls for resumption of sports events

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) has asked the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) through the regional IATF for the resumption of sports activities like volleyball and basketball.

A resolution authored by Third District Board Member John Ismael Borgonia regarding the request was approved by the PB during its regular session on May 17, 2021.

"...the conduct of sport activities namely, volleyball and basketball, should be allowed, provided only players of the same barangay shall participate in the same sports activity," the measure read.

Borgonia said the conduct of the said activities is in accordance with the local ordinance passed by the local government units (LGUs) in the province.

"The resumption of sports activities imparts the values of self-discipline, teamwork, and excellence to all of us..." he said.

The conduct of sports activities in areas under the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) is not yet allowed by the IATF except those that asked prior consent and was approved by the task force.

Cebu province has been placed under MGCQ status since July last year.

The PB said LGUs in Cebu should implement "risk-based public health standards for COVID-19 mitigation".

PB recommends that LGUs can resume the conduct of sports activities provided that the fifty percent capacity limit of the audience must be observed in line with the physical distancing measure.

Minimum health standards, such as washing of hands before and after the sports events, and cleaning sports equipment to reduce exposure to contaminated surfaces, among others, should also be implemented.

“The local government units of the Province of Cebu should be able to encourage sports programs and uplift the development of a healthy and alert citizenry by allowing its residents to participate in sports events namely volleyball and basketball,” the resolution stated. —KQD (FREEMAN)