MANILA – Cagers of the Davao Occidental Tigers are determined to clinch Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Lakan Cup crown, but they are also prepared for the possible cancellation of the season due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Tigers team owner Rep. Claudine Diana Bautista said that she is willing to give up the team’s quest for the trophy just to make sure their lives are not put at risk because of the virus.
“The safety and health of our players, the team and their families are our priority,” said Bautista of Dumper PTDA party-list. “The championship trophy is not worth the lives (of people).”
The division finals pitting Davao against Basilan Steel in the South and San Juan Knights versus Makati Super Crunch in the North were among the sporting events derailed by the nationwide lockdown imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Both the Tigers versus Steel and Knights against Super Crunch showdowns were slated for Game 3 deciders after being tied at 1-1.
“We will conform with what the MPBL decides. Let us not push matters during these uncertain times. “If possible, we shouldn’t resume play until a vaccine is found,” said Bautista, daughter of Davao Occidental Gov. Claude Bautista.
While the MPBL is waiting for the go signal from the national government to resume, Bautista said the Tigers are training at their respective houses under the guidance and monitoring of their physical fitness trainer via Zoom.
Also knowing that venues would be a problem for the division finalists because of travel and social distancing protocols, she added that the Tigers are willing to play in a neutral venue to wrap up the tournament.
Bautista also supports MPBL commissioner Duremdes’ decision, with the concurrence MPBL founder and chief executive officer senator Manny Pacquiao, to move the Mumbaki Cup to mid-2021 as she assured her team is committed to finish what was started.
“We’re committed to staying in the MPBL,” said Bautista./PN
