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PRRD to award extra incentives to SEAG medalists: Go
COURTESY CALL. The medalists in the Hanoi Southeast Asian Games arrive in Malacañang Palace to meet with President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday (May 31, 2022). All athletes, coaches, and officials underwent Covid-19 tests on Monday to prepare for the visit. (Photo: PSC (Philippine Sports Commission)/Facebook)
MANILA – On top of the incentives provided by the law, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go confirmed Tuesday that President Rodrigo Duterte will award additional incentives to some 400 athletes and their coaches who won medals in the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in Hanoi, Vietnam.
The Philippine delegation will pay a courtesy call on the President at the Malacañang Palace on Tuesday.
As of posting time, they are already arriving in batches and undergoing entry procedures.
Go, who chairs the Committee on Sports, recognized the Filipino athletes’ dedication, reassuring them that he will remain steadfast in advocating for their well-being and interest.
“Your sacrifice and commitment is something we are truly grateful for. Maraming salamat sa pagpapakita ng inyong angking galing sa larangan ng (Thank you very much for showing your excellence in the field of) sports,” he said in a statement.
Go urged Filipinos to demonstrate their support for the athletes in all of their pursuits, emphasizing that their victories bring honor and glory to the country.
“Hinihimok ko rin po ang ating mga kababayan na magka-isa para sa ating mga atletang Pilipino at suportahan sila sa anumang sporting event na kanilang lalahukan (I am also encouraging our countrymen to unite for our Filipino athletes and support them in any sporting event that they will join),” he said.
The Philippines placed fourth overall in the biennial meet behind the host, Thailand, and Indonesia with 52 gold, 70 silver, and 104 bronze medals.
Carlos Yulo led all winners with five gold medals in gymnastics.
The SEA Games was supposed to be held in November and December last year but reset due to the pandemic.
Under Republic Act No. 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Incentives and Benefits Act, the Philippine Sports Commission is mandated to provide financial incentives to medal-winning athletes — PHP300,000 for every individual gold medal, PHP150,000 for silver medalists, and PHP60,000 for each bronze medal.
Medalists who break Philippine, SEA Games or world records may also be eligible for cash rewards.
President Duterte also gave additional financial incentives and other monetary rewards to athletes in the past.
Go said the government should continue to invest in programs, financial aid, and infrastructure to assist athletes in achieving their goals.
Ma Teth Belmin
May 31, 2022 at 7:51 PM
Napakalaking ambag nang ating mga atleta ang maging medalist sa nasabing patimpalak kaya nararapat lang na bigyan sila ng pagkilala lalo sa galing at husay na ipinakita nila hindi lang sa ating mga Pilipino kundi pati sa buong Mundo na nakapanood ng mga laro nila.Maging proud tayo sa kanila na sa dami ng mga atletang nakilahok ay nagawa pa rin nila na mailagay tayo sa 4th place over all SEA GAMES.Hindi man sila nakapag uwi lahat ng gold medal pero ginawa naman nila ang lahat sa abot ng kanilang makakaya para makapag uwi ng karangalan sa ating bansa.Isang pagpupugay sa lahat ng atleta at mga coaches..!Mabuhay po kayong lahat.
ML Judith
June 1, 2022 at 12:53 AM
This is goodnews but for me our athletes deserve more than insentives, they DESERVE support not just by money but by giving them SAFE AND WORLD CLASS facilities. I remembered watching one of videos of Hidilyn where she needs to practice in a small and old gym, maybe our next goverment leaders will help out athletes by providing them what they truly need.