THE Meralco Bolts are off and running.
The team trooped to Laoag, Ilocos Norte on Sunday for a 10-day training camp, becoming the first PBA team to hold scrimmages before the kickoff to the league's 46th season.
The Bolts will be holding their bubble training at the Laoag Centennial Arena, which hosted regular and All-Star games in the past, while staying at the charming Fort Ilocandia Resort and Hotel.
Meralco got the green light to start its team practice after completing the required two RT-PCR test as part of the PBA's strict health protocols.
Through Gov. Matthew Manotoc, Ilocos Norte opened its arms to all PBA teams wanting to hold their training camps under a bubble set-up, especially with the province registering low cases of COVID-19.
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"Our goal is to lead the way and show how sports and safety can go hand in hand," the Bolts announced on its official Instagram account before departing for Laoag.
"Back to basketball together, leading the way together, staying safe together."
While going through a 10-day training camp in Ilocos Norte was really part of its plan, the Bolts likewise sought and submitted a letter of clearance to the Pasig Local Government Unit allowing the team to resume its scrimmages at its own Meralco gym in Ortigas shortly after President Duterte downgraded to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) the entire NCR Plus over the weekend.
The league got the thumbs up from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to start scrimmages in areas under GCQ provided teams are given permission to train in facilities covered by their respective LGUs, and the strict adherence to all protocols approved under the supplemental Joint Administrative Order (JAO) administered by the Games and Amusement Board (GAB), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and the Department of Health.
But as every day counts, the Bolts opted to go the way of their original plan.
"Natuloy na rin kami," said team manager Paolo Trillo. (RG)
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