Sports

PH Athletes Serving the Frontlines

SNAPPY SALUTE to our PH athletes.

COVID-19 has greatly affected certain industries around the world – sports being one of the worst-hit. As our fight against the pandemic continues, enlisted PH athletes have answered the call of duty. They’re proving to us that more than heroes in sports, they’re also heroes in camouflage.

Since the start of the lockdown, volleyball players and coaches who are enlisted personnel have responded to help the country’s fight against the pandemic. Jovelyn Gonzaga of the Cignal HD Spikers and Army Lady Troopers shares her sentiments and experiences through her official Instagram account:

Assisting the nation

Gonzaga, now assisting Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) inside the Philippine Army Camp in Taguig, has been on duty since the start of the enhanced community quarantine.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCkGHs2FvO9/

Before volleyball was in the picture, Gonzaga always wanted to serve the country, inspiring her to join the army.

Other volleyball players who are currently on duty right now are Army Lady Troopers’ outside hitter Honey Royse Tubino and middle-blocker Mary Jean Balse-Pabayo.

Assistant coach to the Women’s National Team and head coach of the University of Sto. Tomas Kung Fu Reyes, a Staff Sergeant, has been on the frontlines as well. Reyes has been guarding Fort Bonifacio’s housing units.

Additionally, other PH athletes are in the fray. Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League’s James Acuña, Mar Villahermosa, Jopher Custodio, and Jan Colina are also serving as frontliners. Their tasks go from distributing food and hygiene kits to LSIs, to providing them with transportation.

READ: SEA Games 2019 – #WeWinAsOne Despite Fake News

Service from silver medalists

After bringing the country pride in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, other enlisted national athletes continue to represent the country well amidst the pandemic. These include Denmark Bathan for softball, and Michael Cater for wrestling. Both brought home silver medals.

Like everyone else on the frontlines, our national athletes are required to wear their personal protective equipment (PPEs) and strictly enforce health protocols.

Looking back at Gonzaga’s post, she highlighted the importance of what they are doing for the country. “With this pandemic crippling our nation. I once again feel the importance and value of what we do as soldiers serving the country,” she wrote.

In sharing their stories of their daily tasks and struggle being away from their families, especially with case numbers still on the rise, we are reminded of their sacrifice. Our military-PH athletes continue to serve and secure the welfare of our people, with or without awards they’re used to.

Their playing fields may look and feel different, but the plays they’re making today are huge. They’re sacrificing so much for our countrymen, and we should respect them tenfold for it.

We salute every single one of you. Thank you!

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