ASIDE from the generous cash incentives from President Duterte and the Philippines Sports Commission, Team Philippines was conferred the “Order of Lapu-Lapu” for winning the overall championship in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
Almost 600 medalists trooped to the Palace to meet President and receive their cash reward.
Satisfied with the success of Team Philippine, Duterte conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu to all athletes.
Led by Team Philippines Chef de Mission and Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez, the national team, donning their official tracksuit, was warmly received by the President at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang Palace.
Also in attendance were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Philippine Olympic Committee President and Tagaytay Rep. Bambol Tolentino, Philippine SEAG Organizing Committee Chairman and Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, Commissioners Celia Kiram, Arnold Agustin and Charles Maxey along with the presidents and secretaries general of the different national sports associations.
By law, a gold medal fetches P300,000, silver P150,000 and bronze P60,000. Incentives for athletes alone is almost P79 million.
In a short program prior to the arrival of the President, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) turned over the check to fund the said incentives awarding consistent with RA 10699.
In his speech, Ramirez recognized the role of government in the success of the national team on its SEAG campaign saying “we are lucky to have a President who support us fully and has a big heart for our athletes.”
Pauline Lopez of Taekwondo, Marck Jesus Espejo of Volleyball and Jasmine Alkhaldi of swimming represented the gold, silver and bronze medalists respectively and received the check from the president in a ceremonial awarding.
