GAB keeps busy
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 17 Apr 2020
GAB Chairman Abraham Mitra.
Lockdown or no lockdown, GAB chairman Baham Mitra keeps busy looking out for the professional athletes, particularly those in combat sports, under the agency’s supervision. He recently worked out an arrangement with DSWD for fighters and trainers to be accredited as beneficiaries of the government’s social amelioration program. And when Mitra found out fighter Jonas Sultan wasn’t given 10 percent of his purse for a recently cancelled fight in South Africa, he contacted Golden Gloves promoter Rodney Berman who immediately gave assurance that the money was on the way.
Yesterday, GAB and DSWD joined hands to distribute food packs and P5,000 cash to fighters in 14 gyms in Metro Manila. The list of beneficiaries named over 100. Mitra said it’s the first salvo of assistance. He also worked out the accreditation of those involved in combat sports to receive a benefit valued in the range of P5,000 to P8,000 under the Bayanihan To Heal As One Act. The process involves GAB turning over the names of more than 1,000 licensed fighters and trainers to DSWD which will then give out forms to be filled up by accredited beneficiaries.
“We’re assisting DSWD,” said Mitra. “DSWD NCR was scheduled (yesterday) to visit 14 gyms to help the fighters fill up forms and give them the cash and food packs. In the social amelioration program, we’re still printing the forms for those outside Metro Manila and we’ll send to them. Fighters, trainers and matchmakers in combat sports, including MMA, are eligible for this assistance. The range of P5,000 to P8,000 will depend on the minimum wage in each region.”
Mitra said yesterday’s distribution was under DSWD’s AICS (Assistance to Individuals during Crisis Situation) program coordinated by GAB. Aside from P5,000 cash, the recipients were given a six-kilogram bag of rice, bread and assorted canned goods. The gyms in the visiting schedule were El Tigre at the Mandaluyong City Hall Sports Complex, Elorde Reyes on Calbayog Street, Mandaluyong, Catalan MMA gym in Tejeros, Makati, Penalosa gym on Polaris Street, Poblacion, Makati, Mumma Gym in San Antonio, Makati, Elorde Southbox in Daang Hari, Elorde Pegasus in BF Las Pinas, Elorde Plus in BF Paranaque, Elorde Sucat in Paranaque, Elorde St. Rita in Paranaque, Elorde Marty gym in San Antonio, Paranaque, Berwela gym in Alabang, Penalosa gym along CAA road and Shape Up gym in Libertad, Pasay. Gyms with over 10 beneficiaries were El Tigre, Catalan, Elorde Southbox, Elorde Sucat, Elorde St. Rita and Elorde Marty gym.
“The initial distribution is a special program under GAB and DSWD for the needy in times of crisis,” explained Mitra. “Tuloy pa rin ang DSWD social amelioration program which is separate. DSWD wanted to give immediate assistance sa gyms initially then to follow the social amelioration program as they’re planning out how to give to others. Maybe, the beneficiaries will be called to a common place in each city or town.” Mitra explained that those not given AICS assistance will be included in the social amelioration program. "Individuals may only avail of one government program per family," he said.
The other day, GAB conducted a video conference call via zoom to determine the boxing ratings for February and March. There were 18 participants in the virtual meeting, including Mitra, chief of boxing Dr. Jabong Garcia, assistant chief Jackie Cacho, Tony Comia, Ralph Diokno and other members of the boxing division, Gensan promoter J. C. Manangquil, Cagayan de Oro manager Wowie Lalanto, Cebu ring official Arnie Najera, matchmakers Jimmy Vallares and Mac Canisio, sports blogger Pow Salud and referee Jerrold Tomeldan.
All Rivera, a 5-8 southpaw, was named Boxer of the Month (February) for winning the Philippine welterweight title while Ar-Ar Andales and Jeny Boy Boca were cited as Co-Boxers of the Month (March). Andales took the WBF minimumweight crown by knocking out previously unbeaten Rey Caitom while Boca shocked the Bangkok crowd by halting world-rated Sarawut Thawornkham for the vacant WBA Asia flyweight title.
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