AS they say, it's better to be safe than sorry.
While the start of PBA team workouts had been pushed back a bit after the National Capital Region (NCR) was put anew under a Moderate Enhance Community Quarantine (MECQ), the positive mindset remains among coaches that the long-delayed season would still push through.
Jeff Cariaso of Alaska and Phoenix counterpart Louie Alas both maintained their respective ballclubs' spirit hasn't been dampened despite another bump in the league's bid to restart its 2020 calendar.
"We are all anxious and excited," said Cariaso, who had his Aces on the grind almost on a daily basis in anticipation to the start of team workouts that was supposed to be being eyed around the second week of August.
"Sobrang excited na lahat mag-small group workout," said Alas for his part, as the Fuel Masters are also doing their team training via Zoom regularly.
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But as the Phoenix mentor pointed out, there are certain things beyond their control.
"Consistent na tumataas ang COVID cases," he explained.
The surge in the cases of COVID-19 in the country - which already breached the 100,000 mark - was the reason President Duterte decided to put Metro Manila and other adjacent provinces under MECQ for the next two weeks.
Under MECQ as per the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) crafted by the Department of Health, Games and Amusement Board (GAB), and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), pro sports are not allowed to practice by groups.
While personally Cariaso admitted feeling a bit disappointed with the new development, he also noted that health and safety of everybody should always be the top priority.
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"But the delays are for the good of the people," said the soft-spoken mentor. "The rising number of cases are very alarming. Safety for all is still our no. 1 priority."
Alas agrees with his former co-deputy at Alaska.
"Everyone's safety ang kailangan," said the Phoenix mentor.(RG)
