Para athletes finally get incentives

Para athletes Ernie Gawilan and Fide Master Sander Severino were among the first beneficiaries of a new law that provides them equal cash incentives with regular elite athletes of the national team.

Gawilan, who brought home three gold and two silver medals from the swim competitions of the recent Asian Para Games, became an instant multimillionaire after receiving P4 million for his exploits during a courtesy call at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday.

Severino got four golds in chess—one each in the men’s individual standard and rapid apart from a pair of victories in the team event—all worth P2.6 million under Republic Act No. 10699, also known as the “National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.”

“The President and I are truly proud of your success. This is a token of our people’s appreciation and a reward for your commitment and hard work,” Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea told the athletes.