CHED praises Chooks 3x3 health protocols

Standard Chooks 3x3 COVID-19 protocols

With all the buzz about how to go about preparing for sports in the Philippines in these times, Chooks Pilipinas 3x3 has been proceeding with their activities gradually and smoothly at the UP Epsilon Chi Center inside the Diliman campus.

Their conduct has drawn praise from the Commission on Higher Education, led by its chairman Popoy de Vera. The organization has gotten some attention recently, as the Joint Administrative Order group of the Department of Health, the Games and Amusements Board, and the Philippine Sports Commission requested their input as they looked into the Sorsogon incident that involved the men's basketball team of the University of Santo Tomas. 

De Vera believes that the Chooks 3x3 protocols serve as a ideal set-up if amateur teams were allowed to resume practices. He shares, "Nakita ko yung ginawa nila Eric Altamirano sa Chooks 3x3 sa UP. Ang ganda. Dapat ipakita sa mga amateurs."

With GAB head Baham Mitra asking for best practices from the three major professional leagues in the country, Chooks Pilipinas 3x3 commissioner Eric Altamirano expressed willingness to share their input.

Altamirano shares, "We will gladly do so. We are hoping to share our best practices to the amateurs." 

The league bared its COVID-19 protocols through these procedures:

1. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test for all players and staff.
2. Negative PCR results enables players to train at the facility, provided they fill up the contract-tracing application devised by GET Philippines AND undergo an anti-gen test.
3. Facility undergoes complete disinfection process after each team goes through their respective hourly sessions. This also applies to any material used during the session.
4. Players are encouraged to practice proper health protocols on AND off the court.

The league feels that they are ready to proceed to the next level of their return to competitive action, having submitted their proposal to proceed towards resumption of scrimmages.

Chooks 3x3, along with their fellow professional leagues the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and the Philippines Football League (PFL), are expected to appear on Monday to make presentations to the JAO group.

Mitra believes that the presentations from the pro leagues would lead to a means that would allow non-professionals to get themselves going. He shares, "Hopefully after reviewing this, we can implement it as soon as possible."