With the sports world at a standstill due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Southwestern University PHINMA (SWU) Baby Cobras head coach Jerry Abuyabor decided to do his part to help the medical and military frontliners and vulnerable communities in the southern part of Cebu.
“Medyo nakakapanibago ang time na ito kasi dapat nasa ensayo ako with the team, then suddenly may pandemic,” said Abuyabor, who has steered the Baby Cobras to the 2020 Chooks-to-Go NBTC National Finals.
“We never imagined na ganito kalaki effect sa ating bansa at sa basketball world. Usually this time, we are traveling to Visayas or Mindanao for games, basketball clinics, and team practice.”
With the juniors basketball nationals postponed indefinitely and the team barred from practicing due to the enhanced community quarantine in Cebu, Abuyabor, the SBP’s Regional Director in Region 8, chose to remain active, becoming a reseller for Chooks-to-Go.
The revenue he earns does not go to his own pocket, though. Abuyabor is funneling the earnings to purchase goods for his relief operations for the frontliners.
“We saw the demand ng manok dito sa amin. Rather than nasa bahay lang walang ensayo, I decided to try a new venture. Limited ang lakad ng tao so naisip ko na bakit hindi ko na lang dalhin sa mga barangay market ‘yung Chooks-to-Go at magbenta dun?” said Abuyabor, who availed of the Chooks-on-the-Go rolling store service.
“I’m using the income I earn here to provide meals and some relief goods which include disinfectants, soaps, and alcohols to the police, barangay personnel, and medical staff here.”
Besides this, he and his staff have been going around Naga City and Toledo City to distribute relief packs that have canned goods, diapers, and infant milk inside to families, especially those who are widows and single mothers.
Abuyabor and his staff will continue to do this until everything gets back to normal.
“I’m doing this because I think it’s the least that I can do to help our country during this pandemic,” the youthful tactician expressed.
“COVID-19 has taught us to sacrifice and help beyond measure.”
