NEARLY P42 million in cash incentives was awarded yesterday to 33 Filipino athletes who won medals in the recent Hangzhou Asian Games.
President Marcos Jr. led the awarding of the cash incentives, along with presidential citations, during the “Gabi ng Parangal at Pasasalamat Para sa Bayaning Atletang Pilipino” concert at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
The 33 medalists received a Presidential Citation in recognition of their excellence and achievements in Hangzhou, along with P22.8 million worth of cash incentives.
This is on top of the P19.1 million cash incentives given by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. In all, P42.9 million in incentives was awarded.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to support the sports industry and to “fully develop our athletes.”
The President said measures to promote sports development are in place such as the establishment of the National Academy of Sports in Clark City in Tarlac and building more athletic facilities such as courts and gyms for sports training.
Marcos also said that Filipino athletes deserved the heroes’ welcome not just for the honor that they brought the country but also for their sacrifices, hard work and dedication. The President said several medalists and coaches missed the event because they were already competing in other parts of the world or had already started their training for their next competition.
The country won four gold medals, two silvers and 12 bronze medals.
The gold medals were delivered by EJ Obiena in the pole vault while qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics; Meggie Ochoa and Annie Ramirez who reigned supreme in jiu-jitsu, and Gilas Pilipinas, which ended the country’s 62-year championship drought in men’s basketball.