THEY were called and they responded, putting in their share in an effort to help the nation beat COVID-19 and get the country back to normalcy soonest possible.
Players, coaches, team managers, team personnel and league staff members pitched in to help fuel a drive calling on the Filipino people to follow the minimum health standard imposed by the government to curve the surge of the pandemic.
Even as the PBA's planned return to practice has got the government's nod already, PBA personalities are sustaining #PBAituloyanglaban advocacy to fight the malady.
They hope that the spread of the virus slows down, with the quarantine status going down to a level that will clear the way for the Season 46 kickoff by June.
"Magtulong-tulong tayo. Tulungan natin ang ating gobyerno sa panawagan sa mga tao sa pagsunod sa health standard sa harap ng pandemya. Hindi lang para sa kapakanan ng PBA ito, kung hindi para sa buong bansa," said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.
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Soon after the launch of the advocacy Wednesday, #PBAituloyanglaban has gone viral, with members of the PBA family, supporters and fans going all out and all in to help the cause.
The players ring their bells and so do other members of the PBA family.
"Mula noon hanggang ngayon, basketball and pambansang pastime. Ibang klaseng saya ang nabibigay ng paglalaro or kahit manuod ng larong ito. Ang wish ko ay isang araw makabalik na tayong lahat sa court - bilang team manager, bilang player, bilang coach, bilang staff, bilang fan. Labanan natin ang COVID ng samasama. Kaya natin to!" said Magnolia Hotshots team manager Alvin Patrimonio.
"We're all advocating following the necessary guidelines to help limit the cases of COVID-19 in order to bring the safe return of the joy PBA games bring to us all," said Rain or Shine coach Chris Gavina.
"Hello PBA fans! I know you've been longing to watch your favorite cagers play. They, on the other hand, are more than eager to get back on the hardcourt and entertain you with their basketball prowess. Let us always observe health and safety protocols," said NLEX assistant team manager Raymond Celiz.
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"Super miss the PBA games.... How about u? Let us all help each other by staying safe. Always wear a facemask and face shield. Don't forget to bring alcohol and of course don't forget the social distancing whenever you are out of your house. TOGETHER., let us fight COVID-19," said Alaska official CK Kanapi.
"Can't wait to get back on the court and compete with the squad. Hoping to get the go-signal sooner than later. Till then, everyone stay safe and look forward to entertaining our fans again," said Rain or Shine player Gabe Norwood.
"Hello mga ka-PBA at mga ka-barangay! Alam namin miss na miss niyo na ang PBA. Excited na din kami makasama kayo ulit kaya habang inaantay natin ang muli naming pagbabalik, patuloy pa din tayong sumunod sa lahat ng protocols gaya ng pagsuot ng mask at paghuhugas ng kamay. Stay at home muna at magkita kita tayo sa muling pagbabalik ng PBA," said Ginebra's Jared Dillinger. (SB)
