MANILA, Philippines—Opposition Sen. Francis Escudero has come to the Philippine Sports Commission’s aid as he urged the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Tuesday to add P30 million to the country’s Beijing Olympics fund.

“The PSC should not be left on its own in steering the country’s bid to win its very first Olympic gold medal,” the neophyte senator said, adding that there’s little time left before the Aug. 8-24 Olympics.

Escudero said the DBM can help ease the load off the PSC’s shoulder by releasing P30 million for the training and participation cost.

“The PSC has very big responsibilities,” said Escudero. “It has to take care of both elite and grassroots programs. Winning an Olympic gold is an added pressure to our sports officials.”

The Philippines has less than 20 delegates to the Beijing Olympics, with swimming at the forefront of the campaign with five representatives— Miguel Molina, Daniel Coakley, James Walsh, Ryan Arabejo and Cristel Simms.

The Philippine Amateur Swimming Association also qualified two divers in Shiela Mae Perez and Rexel Ryan Fabriga.

Taekwondo is sending Toni Rivero and Tshomlee Go while archery’s bet is Mark Javier.

Only Harry Tañamor has qualified in boxing.

Escudero said it behooves everyone to provide whatever help they can to the Filipino athletes’ bid for a first-ever Olympic gold.

“We all can make this dream—our dream—a reality,” said Escudero. “The athletes need funding badly with the Olympics fast approaching.”

Escudero likewise urged the government to rank sports among its top priorities.

Cooperation among all concerned agencies is needed to ensure that the country wins its first Olympic gold, he added.

“Kung hindi kayanin sa (If we can’t do it in) Beijing, then let us work together for the success of our campaign in 2012 in London,” he said.