GAB seeks aid for boxers, trainers

CEBU, Philippines —  The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) headed by its chairman Abraham “Baham” Mitra is seeking help for licensed boxers, trainers and other contact sport professional athletes who are affected by the “No Work No Pay” policy as a result of the enhanced community quarantine.

In separate letters sent to Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista, the GAB is hoping that licensed boxers, trainer and contact sport pro athletes will be included in the government’s social amelioration program.

The letters are co-signed by Mitra and GAB commissioners Eduard Trinidad and Mario Masanguid.

The GAB said these invididuals are unable to exercise their profession due to the imposed community quarantine, and hence are devoid of a source of income.

“The P5,000-P8,000 social amelioration program will help them survive these hard times in our nation’s history,” the GAB stated in its letter dated April 1. “This initative is in accordance with Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, which seeks to address the looming impact of COVID-19 or Wuhan virus in the country.”  EBV