Added Bonanza for Para medalists

Medal performers in the coming Tokyo Paralympics won’t be deprived of cash incentives from the private sector.The MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF), through its chair Manny V. Pangilinan and president Al S. Panlilio, started the monetary pledge for Filipino paralympians rolling on Friday, matching the cash bonanza for medalists as provided for by the government.

Under Republic Act No. 10699 or the Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, a gold medal in the Paralympics is worth P5 million, a silver is equivalent to P2.5 million, while a bronze medalist will be richer by P1 million.

“Thank you Manny V. Pangilinan and MVP Sports Foundation for providing these additional incentives to our paralympians competing at the Tokyo Paralympic Games,’’ said Philippine Paralympic Committee president Michael Barredo.

“This pledge has matched what our government will be giving out to our Paralympic medalists in recognizing their hard work and efforts as well as the importance of ‘sports for all,’’’ added Barredo.

According to Panlilio, the cash bonuses for medal-winning paralympians is part of the commitment of “Chairman MVP and his advocacy of Sports for All.’’

Representing the country in the showpiece event are swimmers Ernie Gawilan and Gary Bejino, track and field’s Jerrold Mangliwan and Jeanette Aceveda, taekwondo’s Allain Ganapin, and para lifter Achelle Guion.