ONCE allowed to do so, PBA teams can start practicing in the preferred areas.
The ballclubs can even stay in a city or province outside the NCR Plus should they decide to do so but would have to shoulder all costs.
“Nasa kanila iyon, if they can make arrangements,” said Rene Pardo, Magnolia’s long-time representative to the PBA Board.
“Kanya-kanyang teams or players na iyon, if they want to stay there. Kanya-kanyang gastusan iyon,” added the former league chairman.
Pardo spoke after it was announced that Batangas City has agreed to host the training of PBA teams prior to the start of the 46th PBA season, now set in mid-June.
Commissioner Willie Marcial made the announcement last Sunday after he and Ginebra team governor Alfrancis Chua met with Batangas City Mayor Beverley Dimacuha and Congressman Marvey Mariño.
Marcial said Dimacuha and Mariño support the league’s intent to train in their local gyms, even offering the Batangas Coliseum and the gym at the Batangas State University as practice venues.
“Tapos titingnan pa nila ‘yung ibang esk’welahan, parang Lyceum, kung pup’wede pa na pangatlo,” said Marcial.
“Pupunta ulit ako sa Friday doon, kasama ‘yung team natin at magmi-meeting kung paano protocols, paano disinfection, para malaman natin,” added Marcial.
With NCR Plus, encompassing Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Laguna and Cavite under the stringent MECQ until May 14, PBA teams have the freedom to train in other areas, provided they fulfill the requirements of the PBA.
Aside from Batangas City, Ilocos Norte also has a standing offer to not only host the PBA teams’ training but also the Philippine Cup.
Due to its proximity to Metro Manila, where most of the players are based, Batangas City seems to be the likely choice, however. The entire province is under GCQ.
Marcial has stressed that teams must get the approval of the Inter-Agency Task Force, the Games and Amusements Board, and the local government and the health and safety protocols to be implemented in any chosen area must meet the league’s hospital-like standards.
Such training and practices, however, still depend on whether the IATF will give its nod to the PBA’s letter of request for permission to hold scrimmages once quarantine restrictions ease.
“Sumulat kami last Friday na baka puwede na mag-scrimmage after ng MECQ,” related Marcial. “Titingnan natin kung ano ang tugon sa atin ng Task Force. Ipapatawag naman kami para i-justify natin kung bakit kailangan na maglaro.”
Marcial expects five to seven PBA teams to train in Batangas City, though this will not be a “bubble” environment as players will still head back home once their practice sessions are over.
Pardo said Magnolia would be sticking to the closed circuit, or home-practice-home, format once given the green light to avoid the cost of simply staying in the vicinity of the practice area.
“Balikan ‘yun,” emphasized Pardo, pointing to last year’s Philippine Cup bubble at Clark, which reportedly cost the league around P70 million, as an example.
“Masyadong magastos kung i-ho-hotel. Affordability ang pinoproblema namin sa PBA. Tulad sa Pampanga na naka-hotel, walang labasan, Papakainin mo siyempre iyon. Board and lodging. Nandiyan pa mental strain na mawalay ka sa pamilya mo.
