MMDA to include PBA players in vaccination

MANILA, Philippines — Players, coaches and staff of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) will be included in the vaccination program of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos announced yesterday.

Abalos said basketball players are considered economic frontliners under the A4 category.

“Athletes are among those coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. About 1,200 athletes have been affected by the health crisis,” Abalos said.

The government is vaccinating members of the A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5 categories.

According to Abalos, the PBA requested that basketball players be included in the A4 priority group.

He said basketball players and other athletes could act as influencers in encouraging more people to get vaccinated.

They will also raise public awareness and educate the people on the elimination of vaccine brand preferences, Abalos added.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said they would be conducting their own vaccination program soon.

Marcial said the PBA would be donating COVID-19 vaccines to the government once the doses they purchased arrive.