PSC chair Butch Ramirez calls everyone to be heroes
CEBU, Philippines — Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William “Butch” Ramirez calls on everyone to show patriotism especially in these trying times when the whole world is gripped by the deadly coronavirus.
"These times call for unselfish patriotism. These times call for everyone to be heroes," said Ramirez.
“These challenging times call all of us to be patriots. In ordinary times but more so in extradordinary ones as we have now, we are called upon to do heroic things. Whether to be called at the frontlines or to stay home, we can all do our share to be part of this problem’s solution,” he added.
In PSC’s part, Ramirez confirms the inclusion of the Philsports Complex being converted as temporary medical facilities.
Aside from that, the Philsports track oval, and the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex are also being considered for conversion as medical facility.
Most likely, the likes of the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Ninoy Aquino Stadium and the Rizal Baseball Stadium will be used as either evacuation or warehouse and repacking centers for relief goods.
“We offered the facilities to help decongest hospitals. We have the space -- newly renovated, fully airconditioned with a steady water supply. We have already discussed this with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea,” said Ramirez.
The Department of Public Works and Highways have sent their staff to survey the Pasig venue and are set to also visit the RMSC next week.
Except for around 30 athletes and coaches, medical and admin staff assisting them and security personnel guarding the complexes, national athletes have been asked to go home before the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine.
Senior Executive Assistant and National Training Director Marc Velasco assured that the management committee of the PSC are already crafting plans to ensure that the remaining athletes and personnel are secured and isolated from the areas to be taken over.
”I understand that some sectors might become concerned over this. We are not putting our athletes at risk as all but a few of them have left for their respective homes. If anyone, it would be my wife, myself and the medical and security staff manning the facilities which would be nearest the risk as we all live in the complex," said Ramirez.
"Rest assured though that we will make every step to ensure that safety of all concerned will be ensured and that the facilities are disinfected thoroughly after that virus finally say goodbye. How we all wish that would be soon.”
Sports has been placed at the back burner during this trying part of the journey as people, but Ramirez said it does not mean, people involved in sports “just all sit and watch”.
“Trusting the spirit that drives every person (whether as an athlete, a parent, an official or an employee) whose soul is somehow intertwined with sports - to always achieve, to always fight for a cause, I know that you all understand why we need to volunteer our facilities in the interest of the greater good”.
Sports is not a career, it is a vocation, Ramirez realized.
“We are all called to battle, on different capacities. May we all be the best soldiers at the positions we are given the responsibility to man. May we never give up hope. May we never cease to believe. If not for ourselves, for the people who need it most,” ended
Ramirez.