The national rowing team starts its campaign in the 2021 World Rowing Asian-Oceanian Olympic Qualification Regatta at Tokyo, Japan Wednesday with a “thank you” to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for supporting their efforts for Olympic slots.

PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez said that he hopes for more qualifiers from the national team and assured “the PSC will give all-out support for our athletes no matter the present situation, for as long as we can.”

“Salamat po sa PSC sa pagsuporta at pagtitiwala sa amin. Regular po ang online consultations namin sa sports psychology and sports physiology,” said Melcah Jen Caballero in an interview.

Caballero thanked the PSC for constantly strengthening their mental health, through the agency’s Medical Scientific Athletes Services (MSAS) units.

Five rowers vie in three events namely Caballero and Joanie Delgaco in women’s lightweight women double sculls, Zuriel Sumintac and Roque Abala in the men’s lightweight double sculls, and Cris Nievarez vying in the men’s single sculls from May 5 to 7.

Rowing coach Edgardo Maerina gave his own expression of appreciation to the sports agency. “Diresto ang suporta at monitoring nila sa amin. Hindi man naging madali ang preparations, motivated ang mga athletes natin,” said Coach Maerina-- the first Filipino to compete in Olympic rowing in 1988.

The team’s hotel accommodation, allowances, and airfare amounting to over P1.4 million pesos were covered by the PSC. This includes the additional support covering the RT-PCR tests upon entry to Tokyo, and accommodation assistance on their return to the country.

All competing and non-competing national teams are continuously monitored by the PSC’s medical units.