By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Filipino athletes received an early “Christmas bonus” plus a promised extra incentive Wednesday, Aug. 9, to their sheer delight.
This, as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said his office is doubling the incentives of the medalists in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games and the 19th ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia held this year.
The pleasant news of the extra bonus was announced right after the awarding ceremony of the incentives to the medalists at the Malacañang Palace on Wednesday, Aug. 9 where President Marcos personally handed the checks to the athletes.
Naturally, Filipino athletes present went home with huge smiles on their faces with the prospect of getting an extra bonus.
Under Republic Act 10699 or the Expanded National Athletes and Coaches Incentives and Benefits Act, SEAG gold medalists are entitled to P300,000, while silver and bronze P150,000 and P60,000, respectively. ASEAN Para Games medals meanwhile, are worth P150,000 (gold), P75,000 (silver) and P30,000 (bronze).
This means, each medal is now worth twice than the said amounts under the law.
The PH team collected 58 gold, 85 silver and 117 bronze medals in the SEAG, while also winning a record-breaking 34 golds, 33 silvers and 50 bronzes in the ASEAN Para Games.
“Today, we are fortunate to witness the latest of a long list of triumphs and heroes in Philippine sports, becoming exemplars of sporting prowess, showing the strength of Filipino spirit, the grace of Filipino character, and the passion of Filipino heart – that is what comes out with the results with what you have been able to do,” President Marcos said in his speech.
Accompanying President Marcos in presenting the checks were Philippine Olympic Committee President Bambol Tolentino, Philippine Paralympic Committee Chief Michael Barredo, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann and Sen. Francis Tolentino.
“President Marcos Jr. welcoming the athletes in Malacanang and personally handing them their incentives is more than enough a strong gesture of his strong belief and confidence in our athletes,” Tolentino said.
“And committing more incentives to the athletes shows that his heart and passion goes with Filipino athletes,” said Tolentino, adding that the President showed pure concern for the athletes by addressing not only their efforts but also the sacrifices made by their team and support group—from their coaches and trainers and more importantly, to their families.
“President Marcos’s support to the athletes goes far, wide and deep,” Tolentino said. “And I was touched by the fact that our President even praised the drivers who bring our athletes to and from their training and competition venues. That’s heart.”
Representatives from each sport who received the checks were Rogen Ladon (boxing), Elreen Ando (weightlifting), Janry Ubas (athletics), Joseph Eriobu (basketball, Janelle Frayna (chess), Bien Zoleta (soft tennis), Charmaine Dolar (gymnastics), Kira Ellis (triathlon/aquathlon/duathlon), Darry Bernardo (para chess) and Angel Otom (para swimming), to name a few.
“The pride of every Filipino in every game and every ceremony, witnessing our flags raised brought us all together. This ceremony is to further show the country’s gratitude to your efforts and sacrifices,” said Bachmann.
World-champion gymnast Carlos Yulo is expected to get the biggest incentive after winning two gold and two silver medals, followed by soft tennis players Princess Catindig and Zoleta, who will share the incentives after winning the women’s doubles gold and the team event gold.
Bernardo, meanwhile, leads the ASEAN Para Games medalists after collecting six gold medals, along with fellow chess player Cheyzer Mendoza, who pocketed five golds and one silver.
