Iloilo City gears up for return of contact sports

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

After almost two years, contact sports will be marking its return in the City of Love.

After the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) placed the Iloilo City under COVID-19 Alert Level 2, contact sports will now be allowed provided that the athletes are already 100% vaccinated.

In line with the guidelines, it is also stated that a maximum capacity of 50% will only be allowed in indoor venues while 70% in the outdoors.

It’s been 21 months since the Ilonggos were barred from contact sports since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas also made it official through his newly released Executive Order No. 137 stating the return of contact sports and other recreational venues.

Aside from Mayor Treñas, Executive Assistant for Sports and Youth Mr. Rudiver Jungco Sr. also confirmed the recent development and is already planning the schedule of events regarding the return of contact sports.

“Yes, ma amat amat na kita balik. Pero emphasize ta nga those who can play are only the fully-vaccinated athletes. Wala man sa gina discriminate ta ang wala, but this is just to make sure we are following the health and safety protocols sang syudad,” said Jungco Sr. in an exclusive interview with the Daily Guardian.

Jungco Sr. also added that they are already outlining the possible list of sporting events before 2021 ends.

“Gina meetingan pa ini following the release of Mayor Treñas’ EO. May ara kita mga sporting events sini nga tuig nga pagahiwatun and we are also planning for the return of the Dinagyang Cup men’s basketball,” added Jungco Sr.