Philippine Asian Games Medalists receive additional incentives

FILE: GOLDEN GIRLS. Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, golfers Yuka Saso, Loisa Kaye Go, and Bianca Pagdanganan proudly show the gold medals they won at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino Internationa Airport in Pasay City on Tuesday evening (August 28, 2018). (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

The athletes who received medals from the recently concluded Asian Games received additional incentives for their hard work in representing the country. The financial awards were presented during the San Miguel-Ginebra basketball match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Sunday, September 23. The funds were a sum of donations given by MVP Group, San Miguel Corporation, and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) combined.

All medalists were awarded, with those winning bronze receiving a total of P300,000, silver medalists receiving P500,000, and gold medalists receiving P2,000,000. Those who won gold also previously received P7,000,000 from the private sector and the Philippine government.

Among the athletes present during the ceremony are Taekwondo athlete Pauline Lopez, Taijijian/Taijiquan athlete Agatha Wong, boxer Rogen Ladon, and weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz and golfer Yuka Saso, who both won gold in their respective events. The winning National Sports Associations were also awarded cash earlier that day.

Philippine Olympics Committee (POC) President Ricky Vargas was very supportive, but also very outspoken about his thoughts on the dedication of the athletes in the recent Asian Games in Jakarta, adding the potential of Team Philippines in future international competitions.

“We got four golds, which was something we were very happy with. Also, we finished 19th. Our goal is to be in 15th place. We’ll get there. Or even better.”

He also mentioned the country’s responsibilities as host of the Asian Games during the next inaugural event, stating, “Last Thursday we had a meeting with the Southeast Asian council and we’re pleased with what has been happening, especially to the preparations of the venues at Clark and Subic. We are very competitive in Asia. We’ll surprise you in skateboard. There are two other skateboard artists we’re looking at that will really play the game.”

He ended by saying, “They’re coming to our place. To our home. We will perform well in our home.”