Cesafi launches athlete safety program with free BLS training, ECG test

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) is taking another step toward improving athlete safety.

It will roll out a free Basic Life Support (BLS) training and electrocardiogram (ECG) screening for coaches, student-athletes, and referees ahead of the 2026-2027 season.

The one-day program is scheduled on Saturday, August 8, at the University of the Visayas Main Campus. It’s a new safety initiative the league is introducing to better prepare for medical emergencies during practices and competitions.

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Paying attention to athlete safety

Although the activity comes at a time when athlete safety has gained increased attention nationwide, Cesafi said that the program was planned as a proactive health and safety measure.

It emphasized that the initiative is not directly connected to the June 8 drowning in Aurora that claimed the lives of Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.

Cesafi Commissioner Felix “Boy” Tiukinhoy Jr. said that the training will provide participants with practical skills in recognizing and responding to life-threatening situations. Cardiac arrest and other medical emergencies may occur in sporting events.

“Our goal is to ensure that our coaches, officials, and student-athletes are better equipped to respond when emergencies happen. By improving our level of preparedness, we can provide a safer environment for everyone involved in Cesafi competitions,” Tiukinhoy said.

The Samboy Lim Law

The initiative also supports the implementation of Republic Act No. 11462, or the Student-Athletes Protection Act. Also known as the Samboy Lim Law, this requires schools and sports organizations to strengthen medical readiness and athlete protection.

The Philippine Heart Association-Cebu Chapter will facilitate the activity, which will also include free ECG screening for student-athletes. The examination detects possible heart abnormalities early.

Tiukinhoy encouraged all Cesafi member-schools to take advantage of the free program by sending their coaches, athletes, and referees.

“We appreciate the support and participation of our member-schools as we continue working together to promote the highest standards of health, safety, and emergency preparedness throughout the Cesafi community,” he said.

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