The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) announced on Wednesday that it will strengthen pre-participation medical protocols following the recent deaths of two student-athletes during training.
UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag said the league has reminded its member schools to ensure stricter compliance with health screenings to prevent similar incidents.
“Sa competition side may [emergency medical services] naman kami. But we are trying to ensure that sa training meron silang pre-participation medical screening,” Saguisag said during the Season 88 press conference at the University of Santo Tomas.
He added that the league is more cautious in reminding schools to observe medical requirements in training venues. Saguisag also assured that emergency medical services will remain available during official games.
Last week, University of the Philippines basketball player Israel Friday collapsed during practice and died at 19. He would have turned 20 next month. In June, National University basketball player and Gilas Girls member Ashlyn Abong also collapsed during training and died at 18.
UAAP Season 88 opens on September 19.
