Following the untimely deaths of two young UAAP basketball student-athletes, the University Athletics Association of the Philippines has vowed to take a “more cautious” approach to safeguarding the physical welfare of student-athletes across all member schools.
UAAP executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag assured that the league is strengthening its emergency health services and implementing proactive measures to improve existing protocols.
Aside from enhancing emergency medical coverage in all competition venues, Saguisag said the UAAP will also focus on ensuring that each member school’s training sites enforce proper pre-participation medical screenings.
“Sa competition side, may emergency medical services naman kami nakatabi. However, our goal now is to try to ensure na sa training, meron silang pre-participation medical screening,” Saguisag told reporters during the Season 88 opening ceremony press conference at the Dr. Robert Sy Grand Ballroom of the UST Paredes Building on Wednesday morning.
On June 28, National University Lady Bullpup and Gilas Pilipinas Girls standout Ashlyn Abong died at just 18 years old after collapsing during training.
Nearly two months later, University of the Philippines recruit Israel Friday passed away last Tuesday, August 19, in a similar incident after collapsing during a Fighting Maroons scrimmage. He was 19.
The UAAP’s move to strengthen its safety measures follows adjustments made by the UP Office of Athletics and Sports Development after Friday’s passing.
Though both athletes were part of different contingents, one of the immediate steps by the UP OASD was to require all student-athletes to undergo a series of health tests before participating in practices.
“Papaigtingin lang talaga. Mas magiging cautious na kami ngayon to remind schools in their training venue,” Saguisag concluded.
