Despite the full closure of its facilities, the Philippine Sports Commission shall continue to serve and be available to the national athletes. Chairman William I. Ramirez personally instructed the agency’s officials to ensure the unhampered delivery of basic services to the national athletes still at the Philsports Complex in Pasig City.
“These are extraordinary times which call for extraordinary commitment and service from all of us,” explained Ramirez as he ordered continuous assistance to the remaining athletes and coaches billeted at the agency’s complex.
In previous announcements, the agency locked down its two major facilities located in Manila City (Rizal Memorial Sports Complex) and Pasig City (Philsports Complex).
All athletes billeted in the said facilities were asked to go home. The remaining athletes who were unable to do so, have been accommodated at the Philsports dormitory. They will be provided with food, recreation facilities and medical monitoring.
Dormitory Manager, Roselle Destura explained that some of the athletes needed to stay as they were unable to get tickets since its all sold out for their destination. There are 28 athletes, four Filipino coaches and two Korean coaches – from fencing, boxing, athletics, and six para-sports – being assisted at Philsports.
Acting Executive Director Merlita Ibay supervised the sanitation activities in both venues, as well as making sure that athletes who need assistance to go home like booking and buying their trip tickets are properly helped.
The two Deputy Executive Directors, Atty. Guillermo Iroy and Simeon Rivera, meanwhile, shall ensure that staff are available for any medical emergencies, delivery of basic services in the facilities and its remaining occupants, as well as the processing of salaries and allowances of national coaches and athletes.
“We all increase our susceptibility when we go out of our homes, but we also know that there are very basic services that we need to deliver. I appreciate the sacrifice of our officers and staff to brave the risk to work on these things. Ito talagang para sa inang bayan,” said Ramirez who has been very hands-on in ensuring that all preventive measures are taken for the safety of athletes, coaches and employees.