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That the PBA Philippine Cup bubble was a success is an understatement.
Not only that the first of its kind in the country and Asia, for that matter, was a success, it proved to be a signal for Philippine sports to move forward as well as providing means on how to decrease the spread of Covid-19 through regular testing. , social. distancing, masking, and contact tracing through the entire bubble
“We had perfect totally negative tests throughout our stay at Clark for two and a half months,” said PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial in an interview with The Manila Times a few days after host Clark Development Corp. pulled down the curtains. . in the bubble.
“Some of our PBA employees had a little calendar in their pocket that recorded the results of each test. Pati ilang’s player. And I am happy to report that there are no positive cases. If that’s not a success, I don’t know what is, ”exclaimed Marcial proudly.
“Walang positive among the 500 or so members of the entourage, including team members, game officials, and members of the print and television media. Salamat sa Clark Development Corpo. (CDC), the Base Development and Conversion Authority (BCDA) and all their staff for their efforts and support during the PBA Philippines Cup bubble, ”he said.
Marcial also expressed his gratitude to the Hotel Quest, which served as a home to all those involved in the bubble, and to the Cultural and Sports Center of the Angeles University Foundation in Pampanga, headquarters of all the games held.
Marcial noted the suitability of the CDC facilities to be an ideal site for future bubble events.
“Even FIBA has also noted Clark’s ideal facilities, as well as AUF’s, which they now plan to use during our Third Window organization of the ongoing Asian Cup qualifying tournaments,” he revealed.
“Clark is the perfect choice for future international sporting events that the country is committed to hosting,” he said.
The Barangay Geneva Kings Gin Kings took advantage of the under-manned TNT Tropang Giga to claim their first PBA All-Filipino crown in 13 years.
And now that the league has survived the bubble with a new champion, the next step, according to its Commissioner, is to prepare for its 46th Season celebration in April of next year.
“All our efforts now will be directed to hopefully return to where we started 45 years ago in April and have, not just one, but the usual three-conference format,” Marcial told this writer.
The best man in the PBA, it may be recalled, was initially concerned about the idea of a Philippine Cup bubble, but never resisted when the idea was brought to the table.
“Not very few were skeptical of the idea because, first of all, at first, it was not very clear how we could cover the cost,” Marcial recalled during the interview.
“Iilan nga ang naniniwalang we could, we could do it successfully, just like our NBA counterpart in the United States,” Marcial recalled.
“Later, however, after the necessary budget was prepared, we, the Office of the Commissioner, the members of the Board of Governors, and including the players, the coaches, when consulted, agreed that the league, in particular and Filipino sports in general should start on the move, ”explained the league commissioner.
The PBA spent about P65 million for the Clark bubble
Most of the cost was in room and board for the participants, although the league was able to reduce the cost by obtaining discounts. The PBA was also able to obtain the necessary free test kits for the players.
All issues were adequately addressed as the bubble progressed, especially those related to player health and safety.
“Una, security muna ang aming siniguro. Do they have, for example, enough space so that we can guarantee safety? Number 2, the medical facility is also important. Number 3 was cost, it is also important to us. The facilities not only on the pitch, but also their well-being ”.
No, the PBA did not build a fortress. He made sure people didn’t come in and out of the hotel. Participants were separated from the general public, given opportunities for outdoor recreational activities, physical distancing with relative ease.
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