ATHLETES' WELFARE. Cebu City Medical Center director Peter Mancao answers questions from the media about some athletes diagnosed with dengue while others suffered food poisoning on Friday (July 12, 2024). Mancao said the center remains vigilant in attending to the needs of these athletes as instructed by acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia. (Contributed photo)
CEBU CITY – Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said Friday he is more concerned about the welfare of the 12,000 student-athletes than the stiff competition for medals during this year’s Palarong Pambansa.
Garcia directed the medical director of the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) to look after the athletes who have reportedly been diagnosed with dengue and some suffered food poisoning.
“The welfare of the athletes is of paramount importance. Cebu City has to take care of them,” Garcia told the Philippine News Agency.
CCMC director Peter Mancao clarified, however, that the athletes diagnosed with dengue may have contracted the disease before coming to Cebu and those who suffered food poisoning ate food outside their billeting quarters.
"These patients had already exhibited fever symptoms before their arrival here in Cebu so it's clear they did not contract dengue in the city," Mancao said.
Mancao assured that CCMC remains vigilant in attending to the needs of these student-athletes.
At least 129 patients are being attended to by CCMC.
Meanwhile, Garcia said he sympathized with four Palaro athletes who were not allowed to compete due to injuries.
Dr. Rhoel Dejaño, overall head of Palaro’s medical committee, confirmed to the media that the four athletes could no longer be allowed to compete because of the severity of their injuries.
Some athletes were struggling to accept the decision of the medical committee.
Dejaño also vowed to provide emotional support for athletes struggling to cope with defeat in their respective sporting events.
Psychologists are on standby at the infirmary at the Cebu City Sports Center, he said. (PNA)
