“Philippines Athletes Made it Possible to Show Filipinos that they can be Frontliners”

Last updated on May 13th, 2021 at 05:38 am

There are many ways for us to be a hero and a good influence to the people around us.

Three months into the 30th Southeast Asian Games after fighting for flag and land, many Filipino athletes are back at the forefront battling a much more challenging opponent.

In this battle against COVID-19, Romark Belo, right, takes a ‘groufie’ with his navy unit as they handle a checkpoint in Cavitex as part of the Enhanced Neighborhood Quarantine. (Photo courtesy of Romark Belo) This time, these sporting heroes are in a deadly ‘fight’ — against COVID-19.

Two members of the Philippine Water Polo Team, Romark Belo and Mark Jerwin Valdez, are among more than 150 ‘enlisted’ athletes belonging to different units of the Philippine Armed Forces (AFP), the Coast Guard and the Philippine National Police who are supporting the country as a frontline in the global health crisis.

Both Valdez and Belo entered the Philippine Navy.

Three other water polo team members are also staff enlisted, but are currently practicing with the Air Force — Adan Gonzales, McGyver Reyes, and Bnel Amiladjid.

It was only last December that they played key roles for the national team after a silver medal finish in water polo here in the 30th SEA Games – the Philippines ‘first podium finish in nine years in the sport.

Both Valdez and Belo entered the Philippine Navy.

Three other water polo team members are also staff enlisted, but are currently practicing with the Air Force — Adan Gonzales, McGyver Reyes, and Bnel Amiladjid.

It was only last December that they played key roles for the national team after a silver medal finish in water polo here in the 30th SEA Games – the Philippines ‘first podium finish in nine years in the sport.