Ibay heads health, safety committee
The Philippine Sports Commission has created a health and safety committee in anticipation of the region’s gradual transition from Enhanced Community Quarantine brought by the coronavirus pandemic.
The decision was made during the agency’s virtual board meeting yesterday where Executive Director Merly Ibay was appointed as committee head.
Deputy executive directors Dennis Rivera and Atty. Guillermo Iroy, as well as chief of staff Marc Velasco, will serve as deputies.
The creation of the committee is in accordance with the occupational and health safety standards for public sector issued by the joint circular of the Civil Service Commission, the Department of Health, and the Department of Labor and Employment.
The committee will take effect on May 22.
The agency has been continuously helping the cause of procuring personal protective equipment (PPEs), masks and disinfection supplies for frontliners.
At present, major sports venues like the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila and the Philsports Complex in Pasig City have been converted into temporary medical facilities.
In a statement, the PSC is also working closely with the Department of Health in the creation of a framework for the reintroduction of outdoor physical activities once quarantine is lifted.
At the moment, all local sporting events that PSC is hosting have been cancelled throughout the year including the Philippine National Games and the Philippine Youth GamesBatang Pinoy.
While sports-related programs have taken a backseat, the PSC is still looking out for the welfare of its athletes and coaches by continuously providing their allowances, regular updates from the National Sports Associations, and keeping the lines of its Sports Psychology Unit open.
Sports psychologists are currently conducting weekly online seminars for athletes and coaches to help keep their mental health in check.
Dr Karen Trinidad, head of the sports psychology department, said almost 500 coaches participated in their first seminar a week ago.
Trinidad said most coaches are concerned with keeping the confidence level up following the drastic change in training routines and the cancellation of competitions.
The seminar was initially for national coaches only, but the department deemed it advisable to include all coaches across the country after gaining more inquiries.
The next seminar will be held on Saturday, this time for athletes with Dr Cely Magpantay as host and Dr. Rodel Canlas as resource speaker.
The online education and consultation is aimed at empowering athletes during the pandemic, providing helpful tips in addressing the responses given that sports activities for this year are uncertain.