By Kristel Satumbaga
Government sports centers are being considered as temporary medical facilities as the country struggles to contain the rise of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Butch Ramirez said on Sunday that several facilities of agency are being assessed by the Department of Public Works and Highways if they are fit to become temporary shelter.
Being eyed are the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Vito Cruz, Manila and the Philsports Complex in Pasig City.
Also being considered are Ninoy Aquino Stadium and Rizal Baseball Stadium – both inside the vast Rizal Sports Complex.
All these venues have been previously used as evacuation centers, warehouses, and repacking centers for relief goods during calamities.
“These times call for unselfish patriotism. These times call for everyone to be heroes, even. Let us step up to the plate, so to speak. This is us, the sporting community stepping up to bat,” said Ramirez in a statement posted on the PSC’s social media accounts.
The Department of Health, however, will have the final say whether those facilities could serve as temporary hospital.
The government’s main concern for now is how to decongest the hospitals – some of them can no longer accommodate patients anymore.
Athletes and coaches have already been advised to go home prior to the Enhanced Community Quarantine two weeks ago, although around 30 athletes and coaches failed to do so and were left at the Philsports Complex dormitories.
Senior Executive Assistance and National Training Director Marc Velasco, however, assured the safety of these athletes and coaches once the DOH takes over the sports facilities.
