THE PBA turns 45 on April 9, but unlike past anniversary celebrations, this one will be commemorated without fanfare.
In as much as Commissioner Willie Marcial would want to observe the league's birthdate in a special way, the current circumstances when the country is facing a pandemic of great proportion just wouldn't allow it.
"Sayang ang dami na nating nakalatag na programa tsaka mga pakulo dahil nga 45th year ng PBA," said Marcial, the 10th commissioner of Asia's first ever play-for-pay league.
But then, the safety of everyone is first and foremost for the four-decade old league.
"Siyempre pinaka-mahalaga pa rin yung welfare ng mga players, officials, employees, media, at siyempre lalo na yung mga fans, yung kapakanan nila ang mahalaga," said Marcial.
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The PBA chief has been around for a long time that he believes this is the most trying period in the annals of the league.
A time more difficult than when the league was going through its birth pains, the 1983 political and economic turmoil, disbandment of Crispa and Toyota franchises, the 1997 financial crisis, among others.
"Wala ito lang talaga. Kakasimula pa lang ng season, pero natigil na agad yung mga game natin," said Marcial.
"Pero wala naman tayong magagawa. Lahat ng ito hindi naman natin gusto."
Thursday being a Holy Week, the league was supposed to hold the grand celebration on Easter Sunday (April 12) during the doubleheader between Columbian Dyip and Blackwater and defending champion San Miguel Beer against Barangay Ginebra at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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"Ganun talaga sabi nga nila accept the cards that's dealt to you," said Marcial.
The PBA Commissioner is hoping to proceed with the anniversary celebration in a rather simple manner once the pandemic is over and the 45th season finally resuming.(RG)
