By: Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The most-anticipated league in Iloilo City is also postponing its basketball activities with the spike of COVID-19 cases in the country.
In a statement released by the league, JB Amateur Basketball bared that despite COVID-19, numerous people still inquire and ask for the updated schedule of games, showing their excitement and support for season II of the league.
JB ABL commissioner and founder, Mr. Jayphet Balbacal, expressed his sentiments in an exclusive interview with Daily Guardian;
Mr. Balbacal said that at first, they had second thoughts about whether to push through the cancellation of games due to the massive pressure amongst the fans and basketball enthusiasts that are really looking forward to the games.
“Second schedule supposedly is set sa Jaro plaza gym, but then days prior to the event the City Mayor released a statement that all gatherings in public areas owned by the gov’t won’t be allowed anymore. We decided to still pursue it on a private court, enforcing necessary safety and sanitary measures of course. But then, after the NBA incident we came to realize that everyone is vulnerable to the virus, even the most conditioned athletes. Also in that span, gulpi nagdamo sang cases sa PH up to the point nagrelease na statement si President (Duterte) kag gin follow up ni Mayor nga pati private sponsored gatherings iparegulate ya na,” Balbacal said.
Mr. Balbacal also would like to thank all the team owners and team managers who showed nothing but support and understanding towards his decision.
“Masubo man sakon in a way kay damo-damo na gainquire sa FB (Facebook) and personally sang schedule. Supposedly ODM vs SYSTEMIC, a game which will surely involve a large crowd. Pero you cannot put lives at stake. I have to commend all team owners who share the same sentiment with us nga mas important ang safety sang players kaysa sa games. Personally gusto ko pasalamatan si Jeremiah Obera and Manz Po who were very understanding nga given late notice na nga nagpapostpone ko supportive sila japon despite the fact nga ngpour out na cla financial resources para maready players nila,” Balbacal emphasized.
