By Waylon Galvez As the country continues its fight against COVID-19, San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria said it’s important for everyone to contribute his share in the overall effort to contain the virus. San Miguel Beer Head Coach Leo Austria (PBA Images) For him, winning this bout against a deadly disease is far more significant than winning another Philippine Cup title. “Siyempre iyan naman talaga ang pinaka-importante ngayon. Mawala na yung virus… at ang Pilipinas panalo laban sa COVID-19,” said Austria in a telephone interview Friday with Manila Bulletin. Austria said he understands the interest of basketball fans regarding the resumption of the PBA Philippine Cup, which opened last March 8 but was suspended after only one game by Commissioner Willie Marcial and the league governors due to the growing health crisis. Despite the absence of an injured June Mar Fajardo, SMB defeated the Magnolia Hotshots 94-78 in kicking off its campaign for a sixth consecutive Philippine Cup title. However, as President Duterte announced the extension of the lockdown, or Enhanced Community Quarantine, up to May 15, he said only a vaccine can stop COVID-19. Without that, Duterte sees no end to the lockdown – and, as consequence, the suspension of sporting events, like the PBA. Austria said they would leave any decision to the PBA, which follows the government protocol. If that leads to possible cancellation of the Philippine Cup or the even the Commissioner’s Cup where San Miguel Beer is also the defending champion, Austria said they have no problem waiting a year to be able to defend the title. “Sa ngayon wala pa namang desisyon kung anong conference ang pwedeng ma-cancel,” said Austria. “Kung hindi matuloy halimbawa ang Philippine Cup this year, kami pa din naman ang defending champion. Kumbaga, skip lang muna ng isang taon. “Kagaya nga ng nasabi ko, mas importante ang champion buong Pilipinas. Makakapag-antay naman yung Philippine Cup. Kaya sumunod tayo sa utos ng gobyerno para sa kaligtasan nating lahat.”