Philippines Men’s National Softball Team members making a difference in fight against COVID-19

Philippines Men’s National Softball Team members making a difference in fight against COVID-19
10/06/2020
Members of the Blu Boys are working as soldier frontliners battling the coronavirus pandemic in their country.

Members of the Philippines Men’s National Softball Team have put their softball routines on hold to serve their country in a different way: battling the ongoing spread of the COVID-19 around the world and in their homeland.

According to multiple Philippine newspapers, soldier-athletes Michael and Marlon Pagkaliwagan, Leo Barredo, Reagan Parco, Edmer Del Socorro, Jerome Bacarisas and Sid Abello, along with coach Oscar Bradshaw, have been guarding checkpoints and disinfecting surroundings in various parts of the country. They have also distributed relief good and medical supplies to communities affected by the pandemic.

“It is very fulfilling to serve our country during this pandemic and to know that beyond our athletic capabilities, we can also be in the frontlines in this fight against an unseen enemy,” said team captain Michael Pagkaliwagan, according to The Manila Times.

All the aforementioned players suited up with the Philippines National Team in the 2019 WBSC Men’s Softball World Championship held in the Czech Republic. Later in 2019, they helped their national team to gain a silver medal at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, losing the final to Singapore, 6-1.

“I salute the bravery and courage of our RP Blu Boys who are in the frontlines today,” said Philippines Amateur Softball Association President Jean Henri Lhuillier. “Their dedication in serving the country, whether through representing the Philippines in international softball tournaments, or keeping our communities safe from Covid-19 is truly commendable.”