Sarangani Marlins, GenSan Warriors link up to help MPBL staff

Besides being busy beefing up their respective squads for the next Chooks-to-Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League season, Sarangani head coach John Kallos and GenSan team manager Mermann Flores have joined hands for a bigger purpose.

The newly-minted Marlins tactician felt the need of the referees, who are gravely affected by the pandemic, as they are paid on a per-game basis.

“Hindi kasi gaano napapansin ang mga referee kaya nagtulong-tulong kami ng coaching staff ko at players sa Sarangani,” said the 37-year-old mentor.

“Alam din kasi namin na day-to-day basis lang ang salary ng referees, kaya gusto rin namin silang mabigyan ng tulong.”

The two distributed more than 300 relief packs to groups of referees, and also to the military frontliners in Quezon City, Marikina, and Antipolo.

Warriors manager Flores led the relief operations in Antipolo.

And they will continue their drive next week in Sarangani and General Santos.

“Aabot pa itong mga nalikom natin sa GenSan at Sarangani. Magkakaroon pa ng second at third wave,” said Kallos.

Sen. Manny Pacquiao, founder of the Chooks-to-Go sponsored league, also donated face masks. Meanwhile, lawyer Bong Gacal gave 30 sacks of rice.

Aside from relief packs, Sarangani mentor also donated some 20 aerosol boxes to Philippine Children’s Medical Center, Philippine Heart Center, and to the local governments of Pasig and Manila.

Sarangani finished dead last in the Chooks-to-Go Lakan Season with a 1-29 record. On the other hand, GenSan was swept by Bacoor in the South Division Quarterfinals.