With the 2020 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Playoffs suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the league’s day-to-day employees took a massive blow.
The last time the league had a game day was back in March 11.
That’s why San Juan-Go for Gold team governor Chris Conwi made sure that the Chooks-to-Go-backed league’s employees composed of the staff, referees, table officials, among others got some help financially. He initiated a donation drive called “COVID-19 Bayanihan sa MPBL” in which he called on the team owners to give any amount to help the employees.
“I made a note in our group chat with the team owners. Any amount will do to help our MPBL staff who are paid on a per-game basis,” said Conwi.
The response to Conwi’s call was overwhelming as Atty. Brando Viernesto, Emmer Oreta, Sarangani head coach John Callos, Nueva Ecija owner Bong Cuevas and team manager Jai Reyes, Rizal part-owner Jowell Conde, Makati owner Paolo Orbeta, Go for Gold godfather Jeremy Go, Bacoor team governor Dennis Abella, Simon Mangio of Pampanga, Laguna vice mayor Gel Alonte, Claudine Bautista of Davao Occidental, and Zamboanga owner Anita Kaw.
Also contributing were Sam Lato of Valenzuela, Jemina Sy’s Muntinlupa, Onyx Crisologo of Quezon City, Ruby Navarro of Imus, Justin Tan of Mindoro, Mark Tan of Bicol, Iloilo team owner JJ Javelosa, Joan Villafuerte of Parañaque, Jun Reyes of Bulacan, and MPBL commentators Cedelf Tupas, Christian Luanzon, and Martin Javier.
As of Saturday, April 11, the drive has raised over PHP 230,000. Almost 80 employees of the league received the funds through their Money Padala accounts a day later.
With this, Conwi reminded the staff and the fans of MPBL to keep safe during this pandemic.
“Mag ingat po tayong lahat, sundun natin ang quarantine policies. Prayers lang at magkikita kita tayo ulit sa pagbabalik ng MPBL!”
Outside of the amount raised, MPBL league owner Manny Pacquiao also vowed to help out his league’s paid-per-day staff.
COVID-19 Bayanihan sa MPBL will continue until the league’s operations go back to normal.
Story by Justin Valencia
