TOP Filipino boxers, led by reigning IBF super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas, took time out to thank a good friend and boxing supporter — former Department of Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial.
?Thank you for your help to boxing, Sec. Ubial,? said Ancajas in a message read by Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chairman Abraham ?Baham? Mitra during a simple ceremony at the GAB office in Makati last Wednesday.
Mitra said Sec. Ubial?s support to local boxers helped solve many problems hounding the boxing industry.
?With Secretary Ubial?s initiative, we were able to save boxing in many ways,? said Mitra, who signed a Memorandum of Agreement between the GAB and the DOH last Aug. 15, 2017.
The agreement was fully implemented last Nov. 4, 2017.
Based in the agreement signed by Mitra and Ubial, the DOG will provide all professional boxers with free medical examinations, including MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).
The MOA was initially reached during Ubial?s guesting in 13th Philippine Boxing Convention in Davao City last May 11, 2017.
After the formal signing last Aug. 15, 2017, Ubial issued Administrative Order No. 2017-0020 last Oct. 20,2017. The order set the guidelines for the free diagnostic, medical and neurologic exams for pro boxers in all DOH-accredited hospitals all over the country.
?Malaking tulong si Sec. Ubial sa boxing. Kumukonti na ang mga Pilipino na gustong mag-boxing. Yung ibang umalis ay nahihirapang bumalik dahil wala silang pera para sa MRI at iba pang medical tests na kailangan,? Mitra admitted in an interview with People?s Tonight.
?Pero hindi tulad ng iba, hindi hinihikayat ni Sec. Ubial ang mga boxers na tumigil na sa pagbo-boxing. Bagkus pina-alalahanan lamang nya ang mga ito na pangalagaan ang kalusugan sa patuloy na medical examinations,? added Mitra.
Mitra now hopes that the GAB and DOH will continue to work together in providing assistance to pro boxers.
He also hopes that other professional athletes under GAB, including mixed martial arts practitioners, will be added to the MOA.
