BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA AND JONAS TERRADO
TRULY a Merry Christmas to all Filipino SEA Games winners.
To celebrate the country’s successful title campaign in the 30th edition of the biennial meet, President Duterte, through the Philippine Sports Commission, will give additional cash incentives to all medalists on Dec. 18 at Malacañang.
Gold medalists will get additional P250,000 bonus while silver and bronze medal winners shall receive P150,000 and P100,000 respectively.
The financial reward is on top of the regular incentives given to all medal winners in the biennial meet under Republic Act 10699 otherwise known as the National Athletes and Coaches Benefit and Incentives Act.
Under RA 10699, the government is mandated to reward gold medal winner P300,000 and P150,000 and P60,000 to silver and bronze medal winners, respectively.
Plus the promise of P300,000 made by Philippine Olympic Committee President and Tagaytay Rep. Bambol Tolentino, a gold winner stands to receive P850,000.
As early as last week, the Philippines has already captured the overall championship – the first since the Miracle of 2005.
RIZAL BALLPARK UP
FOR RENOVATION
The Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium could end up returning to its old glory if plans to renovate the historic ballpark push through after the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
Philippine Amateur Baseball Association President Chito Loyzaga said pertinent details will be up for discussion with the Philippine Sports Commission as the baseball federation hopes to see the 85-year-old stadium get a much-needed facelift.
“It’s part of the overall renovation of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex,” said Loyzaga. “We should know when the PSC plans to begin the renovation after the SEA Games.”
Loyzaga didn’t reveal any details but PABA has already planned on placing the padding walls used during the baseball competitions held at The Villages in Clarkfield, Pampanga.
To make it suitable for big games or other events, it must have better infield and additional flood lights.
The ballpark stood in silence during the Games as the roars of the crowd were mostly heard at the nearby Coliseum and Football Stadium and the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Organizers opted to hold baseball and softball games in Clark where six fields and several batting cages and bullpen were available.
It was complete opposite to the country’s hosting of the 2005 Games when fans filled the Rizal ballpark as the Philippines beat Thailand for the gold.
The Baseball Stadium opened in Dec. 1934 when New York Yankee greats Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth hit the first two homers.
It suffered major damage during World War II but was quickly restored once the country gained its independence in 1946.
