DUE to the continuing increase of the Covid-19 cases nationwide, the 2020 Private Schools Athletic Association (Prisaa) National Games slated from April 15-24, 2020 in Tuguegarao City is now canceled.

This was confirmed by Mark Molina, president of the Western Visayas Prisaa and Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports, Cultural and Educational Association.

"Everyone's safety is our primary concern at this point. With the direction coming from the national government and for the safety of our own student-athletes not only from Nopsscre but WVPrisaa, the decision of canceling the Prisaa National Games it is understandable," he said.

This Prisaa-organized annual sports competition is participated by collegiate and secondary school student-athletes from private schools, colleges, and universities in the country.

Meanwhile, Marikina City Mayor Marcelino "Marcy" Teodoro last week suspended indefinitely the 2020 Palarong Pambansa, which was scheduled for May 1-9 in the city. This after Marikina recorded its first case of the Covid-19.

Despite the 100 percent readiness of the local government to host the Palaro this year, but because of Covid-19, the local chief executive decided to suspend it allow the safety and health of athletes, teachers and their families first.

Teodoro said it is their primordial concern for the health of the student-athletes, teachers, and family members from all regions in the country.

Earlier, DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones also sent out a memorandum suspending the conduct of national, regional and division level activities to prevent the transmission of the Covid-19 virus.