By: Joseph Lopez
Rev. Fr. Victor Calvo, O.P. holds the Certificate of Authority to Resumption of Collegiate Athletic Training together with CHED Commissioner Prospero de Vera and DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III. Photo from the Colegio de San Juan de Letran FB Page.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Health (DOH) visited Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Manila grounds to inspect the suitability of its sports facilities for the 2022 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) last November 11, 2021.
This is in response to Letran's intention to recommence its student-athlete training programs for the upcoming NCAA season. Led by Letran’s Athletic Moderator, Fr. Victor Calvo Jr. OP, and Directress of the Department of Student Affairs, Asst. Prof. Catherine D. Sanchez, Letran enabled CHED and DOH to conduct an open inspection of some of its training facilities.
In a letter written by Fr. Calvo to Atty. Cinderella Filipina Benitez-Jaro, CHED’s executive director, Letran shall oversee complete adherence to the procedures and guidelines set by the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF), CHED, DOH, and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Manila. Letran specifically submitted the following preliminary requirements prior to the execution of the training programs: (1) a sworn statement that the institution will follow the rules and regulations required to prevent the spread of COVID-19 cases; (2) a sample health declaration form; and (3) documentation demonstrating proper coordination with the appropriate local government unit.
According to Fr. Calvo, all of the players and coaches were immunized, with the majority of them being vaccinated by their individual LGUs.
The NCAA has a policy of not permitting unvaccinated athletes to play a particular contact sport. If any of the athletes or coaches were not vaccinated within their LGU, CHED and DOH will compensate for their vaccinations under the "Padyak Tungo sa Flexible Learning: Sama-samang Vaccination Program."
Thus far, Fr. Calvo disclosed in October, during a conference with CHED and other NCAA schools, that over 100 athletes participated in the aforementioned immunization program.
Earlier today, CHED formally issued the certificate of authority for the resumption of collegiate athletic training in the Colegio. Fr. Calvo, OP has received the certificate from CHED Chairman, J. Prospero De Vera III and DOH Secretary, Francisco Duque.
The in-house "bubble" training shall be conducted immediately as Season 97 is being eyed to officially open on February 2022.