Vaccine for athletes coming soon

MANILA, Philippines — Tokyo-bound Filipino athletes and those still seeking Olympic berths may get the COVID-19 vaccine next month, to be followed shortly by athletes preparing for the Hanoi SEA Games in November.

“Mr. Ricky Razon has actually committed vaccines for our Olympic athletes and we’re working with ICTSI (International Container Service, Inc.) so we can get that as early as we can and hopefully by May maipasok na ‘yan in time sa Olympics,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio yesterday.

“The major tranches will come in June especially for the Moderna vaccines. Hopefully, I could reserve (for) 1,200 athletes and delegation. Yun ang aming unang gagawin,” Panlilio added during Noli Eala’s Power and Play sports program.

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Tolentino named Panlilio in charge of the vaccination program for the 626 athletes that will compete in the coming SEA Games on Nov. 21 to Dec. 2.

The June target for vaccination, if met, would come just in time for the SEA Games athletes’ start of training in July.

Panlilio has gathered his team made up PLDT chief procurement officer Oz dela Cruz, Dr. George Canlas, Bones Floro and Atty. Billy Sumagui. Plans are afoot to purchase the vaccines.

“It’s our responsibility to make sure our athletes are safe. It’s good to err on the side of caution by vaccinating our athletes. Mas mabuti na meron sila protection rather than bahala na. We’re making sure they’ll be all safe,” said Panlilio.