Basketball in Cebu City Only if at least 60% of brgy population is vaxxed against COVID-19

CEBU, Philippines —  Basketball enthusiasts and athletes in other contact sports in Cebu City may soon be allowed to play depending on their vaccination status and their barangay.

Acting vice mayor Donaldo “Dondon” Hotiveros, together with Cebu City Sports Commission chairman Edward Hayco, met with Emergency Operations Center chief implementer and City Councilor Joel Garganera to discuss the possible resumption of training sessions for contact sports in the city.

Cebu City is currently under alert level 2 based on the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force. Under such category, contact sports may be allowed by the concerned local government unit.

Garganera said they are looking at allowing basketball games and other sports in a barangay where 60% of the population has been vaccinated.

As of the moment, though, a final decision has yet to be reached by concerned city officials on the matter.

“The Cebu City government, through its Emergency Operations Center and its Sports Commission, is yet to come up with specific guidelines before giving a go signal to contact sports,” said Garganera in yesterday's press conference at the Cebu City Hall.

Garganera explained that they still have to seek the Visayas Vaccination Operations Center’s guidance on the matter. They will also consult medical experts from the EOC, as well as the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) regarding the proposal.

“Dili ta magpataka og abli og sugod...kay unyag atong gain and ang kahago natong tanan, basin mahug tas uno (Let us not be too quick on opening up because our gains and efforts may end up useless),” added Garganera.

Initially, the city is looking at incentivizing this matter with only the fully vaccinated individuals allowed to train and play for fitness.

Aside from that, the vaccination status of a barangay where the athletes belong may also be considered.

Hontiveros is coordinating with Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Incorporated (CESAFI) regarding the inoculation of student-athletes soon.

Dr. Jeffrey Ibones, officer-in-charge of the City Health Department, has welcomed the idea of incentivizing the vaccination for athletes.

He said any barangay or group may keep in touch with his office so they can even launch vaccination drive in their own area. — KQD (FREEMAN)