Aquino signs new nat’l athletes’ incentive plan

The Philippine delegation led by flag bearer Alyssa Valdez of the volleyball team parade during the Opening Ceremony of the 28th SEA Games held at the Singapore National Stadium, Singapore Sports Hub.
INQUIRER PHOTO/RAFFY LERMA

President Aquino gave Filipino athletes more reason to get motivated in future international competitions.

Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia said Aquino signed on Friday a new incentives scheme for medal-winning athletes and coaches where they could earn at least twice the cash bonuses they’ve been receiving from the government.

Garcia said differently-abled athletes were also included in the new bonus plan. He added these athletes would be the first beneficiaries of the new scheme as they compete in the Southeast Asian Para Games in Singapore next month.

“I’m sure the athletes will work even harder in training and perform at their best,” said Garcia.

The new scheme grants gold medalists in the Olympics P10 million, silver winners P5 million and bronze performers P2 million. Gold-winning athletes in the Asian Games stand to get P2 million, silver medalists P1 million and bronze medalists P400,000.

For the Southeast Asian Games, a gold is worth P300,000, silver P150,000 and bronze P60,000.

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives ratified the proposed bill amending and expanding Republic Act 9064, known as the Sports Incentives Act of 2001.