By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Nine members of the Philippine softball team that won the silver medal during the Southeast Asian Games were activated to serve the PH military amid the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Blu Boys members who are currently on duty are Leo Barredo, Michael Pagkalingawan, Denmark Bathan, Marlon Pagkalingawan, Reagan Parco, Edmer del Socorro, Jerome Bacarisas, and coaches Sid Abello and Oscar Bradshaw.
After suffering a heartbreaking loss to Singapore in the gold medal match, the Blu Boys were quick to practice and rebuild for the next qualifying tournaments but the pandemic prevented them from continuing.
With their inactivity in the field of sports, they were then called up to serve as frontliners, manning checkpoints, in-charge of transferring medical supplies and relief goods, and disinfecting various surroundings in line with the safety protocol of the country against the pandemic.
“I salute their dedication in serving the country, whether through representing the Philippines in international softball tournaments, or keeping our communities safe from COVID-19 is truly commendable,” Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president Jean Henri Lhuillier said.
