At least three (3) National Sports Associations (NSAs) have chosen Ilocos Norte as the location for their bubble training in preparation for upcoming international sports tournaments.
The Philippine National Beach Volleyball team has started a month-long training camp in Pagudpud’s Villa Del Mar Ivory Beach Resort on May 19, 2021, in preparation for the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Beach Volleyball Continental Cup, an Olympic qualification tournament, and the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).
In addition, the Philippine National Sepak Takraw squad will be training at the Mariano Marcos State University Sports Complex until November 15, 2021 for the 31st SEA Games as well.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Beach Handball Team is currently in talks with the Ilocos Norte Sports Development Office (INSDO) on holding bubble training in the province.
“Ilocos Norte is a safe place to undergo bubble training. We have re-started sports activities and formulated risk assessment management under our ‘PLAY SAFE FEARLESS Program,’ in line with the health protocols issued by IATF, Task Force Salun-at, and Executive Orders,” Ms. Helen M. Domingo, Provincial Sports Development Officer, said.
Simultaneously, Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) teams such as Meralco Bolts and TNT Tropang Giga are also undertaking their weeklong “Closed-Circuit Scrimmages and Training” in Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena, Laoag City.
INSDO aided the sports teams by providing proper training venues and facilities, working with local government units for the provision of security and medical services, and conducting weekly athlete status and welfare monitoring.
With these feat in sports, Ms. Domingo hopes to further promote Ilocos Norte as one of the safest training hubs in the country.— Blessing Angel V. Agliam, PGIN-CMO
