DAGUPAN CITY -- The Balon Dagupan Team has pulled out from the "Batang Pinoy" national finals that is scheduled to start in Baguio City on Monday, due to the venue’s high safety risk after it was struck by Typhoon Ompong.
In her letter addressed to Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William Ramirez, Mayor Belen Fernandez said she cannot risk the life and limb of its athletes should the games proceed in Baguio City.
Fernandez said she will consider sending the athletes to the much-awaited competition "should the members of PSC decide to transfer the venue of the 2018 Batang Pinoy to another location where the athletes may safely compete as their parents, coaches and friends observe these games without fear of any possible injury to the participants."
Commissioner Finnela Sim, Dagupan City Sports Commission executive director, in an interview on Sunday, said the safety of the Dagupeño athletes is always their priority.
"I feel sad but thankful that we are safe. I know how hard it is to train daily for a year in preparation for this event, but still we cannot fight nature. Safety of our athletes is our priority. We are still blessed to be in our homes safely," Sim said.
The Dagupan delegation went home before “Ompong” slammed Baguio City and the rest of northern Luzon.
As of posting, only Naguilian Road was passable going to Baguio City from Pangasinan as clearing operations at the Marcos Highway and Kennon Road were ongoing. (PNA)
