Photos and videos have been circulating online for the past few months that showed National University training even under quarantine restrictions.
Because of this, the Lady Bulldogs have come under fire, with many asking the difference between this case and the alleged Bicol bubble of the UST Growling Tigers.
An official from National University spoke to Tiebreaker Times regarding the matter under the condition of anonymity.
According to the official, the members of the Lady Bulldogs — all of whom are dormers — have been left stranded in NU’s Manila campus since the lockdown was implemented last March.The team was hopeful that the UAAP Season 82 Women’s Volleyball tournament would resume.
The Season 82 tournament was suspended last March 10, five days before the ECQ was implemented. The tournaments were only cancelled back on April 7 — 23 days into the ECQ.
“‘Yung mga players natin talagang naiwan kasi akala natin babalik ang UAAP,” said the school official.
“Nung na-cancel na ‘yung liga last April, hindi na nakauwi ‘yung mga bata dahil ECQ pa tayo nun at wala nang ma-book na biyahe pagbalik sa probinsya,” they continued.
“Second home na nila ‘yung NU at hindi naman natin puwedeng pabayaan na wala silang titirahan, lalo na ngayong pandemic.”
The team’s management took care of the student-athletes, providing whatever they needed during that time.
The team’s management then decided to bring the team to NU’s state-of-the-art facility in Laguna Inspire Academy when Manila shifted to general community quarantine but with COVID-19 cases still rising.
And yes, a players-only meeting took place prior to this decision with everyone in unison to be together in these trying times.
“Sobrang supportive ng management sa players. Halos 24/7 ‘yung pagkain, ‘yung lodging maayos, everything binigay nila. Anytime din naman puwede umuwi ‘yung players pero napag-desisyunan nila na mas safe sa Inspire,” said the team official.
The team’s brass also gave each player laptops and devices so that they can communicate with their families and attend school, as classes are held online.
With regards to the training sessions of the team, it’s 100-percent voluntary, the source added.
“‘Yung mga atleta lang natin ang nagkusangloob na mag-gym. Siyempre, nandun na rin naman sila sa Inspire na alam naman natin na sports facility, kaya sinulit nila kesa ma-boring sila dun [sic],” said the team official.
“Ang mali lang siguro is pinost nila ‘yung photos online. Pero hindi naman natin sila puwede pigilan kasi mga bata ‘yan e.”
No outsider was allowed to enter Inspire outside of NU students. Constant testings were also done and strict health protocols were observed.
With NU’s 2020-21 school year beginning, the Lady Bulldogs have returned to their dorms in Manila.
The official continued that anytime their student-athletes would want to head home, all they have to do is ask and the team’s management will gladly take care of the logistics — safely.
The school will release an official statement later in the day.
