MANILA — The UAAP and its member schools have doubled down on their focus for precautionary measures ahead of Season 88 which opens on September 19.
Following the unfortunate passing of two basketball players, league executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag emphasized that while the UAAP has always been proactive when it comes to health protocols, they will even be more cautious this time around.
“Sa competition side, may emergency medical services naman kami,” he said during a preseason press conference on Wednesday at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila.
“But, we’re also ensuring na sa training, meron silang pre-participation medical screening, mas papapaigtingin lang. I’m sure, meron naman na sila, pero mas cautious pa kami ngayon to remind the schools in their training venues,” he added.
Just last June 28, National University’s Ashlyn Abong passed away after collapsing during their training. The former Gilas Pilipinas women's standout was 18.
Unfortunately, University of the Philippines recruit Israel Friday also met the same fate last August 20, passing out while in practice. The 6-foot-10 Nigerian was 19.
Aside from the UAAP’s strengthened approach, UP also immediately implemented changes in its protocol for student-athletes.
UP Office of Athletics and Sports Development (OASD) Director Bo Perasol previously told ABS-CBN News that all students, including athletes, are required to undergo medical evaluation before they enter UP. Student athletes will also have to go through a pre-participation medical sports evaluation (PMSE) before joining their teams.
“They have to undergo tests, 'no? Ngayon, sa cardiovascular tests muna. Regardless, kung nag-undergo na sila ng sinasabi ko kanina na PMSE, but they have to go para ma-clear lang natin about their medical kung meron silang medical conditions ngayon," he said.
READ: After death of recruit, UP to implement changes in student-athletes screening, requirements