MANILA – The University of Santo Tomas (UST) assured that it will keep on supporting the national government in its efforts to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
This came as the school men's basketball team is currently being investigated for an alleged violation of quarantine protocols in the form of a practice bubble in its head coach's hometown.
"We always endeavor to support the concerted government effort to ensure that proper social and physical environments are in place. We wish to assure you that the university does not tolerate any form of violation of government regulation and it responds promptly by taking the appropriate action," UST said in a statement on Sunday.
The academe confirmed that it has begun probing the Growling Tigers for allegedly holding a bubble in Sorsogon City, which Coach Aldin Ayo calls home, by forming a committee that will focus on the matter at hand.
While UST acknowledges the benefits of holding sports practices again amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the university also said the training sessions and scheduling them should remain in line with the government's rulings against the health threat.
"While we adhere to the belief that physical activity can have a profoundly positive impact on the students' physical and mental health, we believe that the undertaking should be done in compliance with the guidelines issued by the government," the statement read.
In an online interview, former Growling Tigers captain CJ Cansino revealed that the reported bubble actually took a toll on his mental health.
"Inaatake ako ng anxiety. Napansin na rin ng family ko na pumapayat ako kasi nahihirapan akong matulog at kumain. Wala akong gana. Sobrang hirap (I was getting anxiety attacks. My family also noticed that I am losing weight because I had a hard time sleeping and eating. I was losing appetite. It was tough)," Cansino said. "Kung may mga kaibigan o family kayo na may problema sa mental health, huwag natin gawing biro yun (If you have a friend or family member that has a problem in mental health, do not make it a joke)."
His situation in the bubble is said to have sparked a chain of events that led to him being removed from the team.
Cansino's shock departure from the Tigers' camp led to the revelation of the alleged bubble.
Cansino has since transferred to the University of the Philippines. (PNA)
