WATCH: More Than 100 Attendees at the GAB Dialogue in Makati

Boxing is in Good Hands as Games and Amusement Board Works Tirelessly to Execute its Mission

MORE than 100 professional boxers, trainers, matchmakers, and stakeholders attended the dialogue conducted by the Games and Amusements Board headed by Chairman Abraham Kahlil B. Mitra at the GAB central office in Makati City last November 21, 2017. Among those present were promoters and managers Jun Gandeza, Joseph Quibral, Orlando Borcelango, Dino Olivetti, Kate Jaucian, matchmaker Art Monis and former Philippine welterweight champion-turned trainer Allan Alegria. “This is the first time that a dialogue was made primarily to inform and educate them regarding several boxing-related issues and concerns,” said Mitra.

Mitra presented the IRR of the MOA between GAB and the Department of Health (DOH) for the provision of free diagnostic medical and neurologic examinations for professional Filipino boxers. The stages and procedures on how to avail the free medicals were discussed by the GAB medical section and some important notes on Dehydration were given by GAB Medical Officer Dr. Rolando Rivera.

It was followed by the presentation of the Guidelines on the GAB Boxer's Relief Fund by Chief Administrative Officer Ofelina Artugue. “All active and former professional licensed boxers who sustained disabilities and sickness or those who died due to the injuries he suffered can be covered by the GAB Boxer's Relief Fund benefits,” said Artugue. The request for financial assistance will be processed by the Boxing Division with the recommendation from the Medical Officer and will then be submitted to the Treasury.

Meanwhile, the Boxers ratings criteria were also discussed by Boxing Chief Dioscoro Bautista. Boxers were informed of how they can be qualified for inclusion in the rankings and how they can be removed as well. GAB Chief Legal Officer Atty. Ermar Benitez, on the other hand, explained the amendment to the rules and regulations governing professional boxing specifically on fights abroad.

The dialogue was also covered through Facebook live for the benefit of those boxers from other parts of the country who would have wanted to join but could not. Also present in the dialogue were Current OPBF Light Flyweight Champion Edward Heno, former WBC World Flyweight Champion Sonny Boy Jaro, Current Philippine Light Flyweight Champion Lester Abutan, WBC International Minimumweight Champion Lito Dante, and Former WBC World Title Contender Denver Cuello and other Filipino Boxers.

Baham Mitra talking personally with the boxers

Mitra said that they are now planning to conduct similar dialogues in the Visayas and Mindanao region. “We will continuously and actively promote a transparent, dynamic and participative governance in GAB,” said Mitra.

Watch the GAB dialogue with the boxers below.