PH Asian Games medalists get incentives worth P41.9M

FILE–Philippines’ Ernest John Obiena celebrates with the Philippines flag after winning the Men’s Pole Vault Final in the Asian Games. REUTERS/Jeremy Lee

MANILA, Philippines — Athletes who brought home medals in the Hangzhou Asian Games are set to receive around P41.9 million worth of incentives from the government, according to Malacañang on Wednesday.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself is set to honor the Filipino athletes at Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.

“Each of the medalists will receive incentives from the Philippine Sports Commission through the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, totaling P19.1 million. Additional incentives from the Office of the President, amounting to a collective P22.8 million, will also be granted,” said the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) in a statement.

Asian Games medalists include EJ Obiena, who delivered the Philippines’ first gold in the competition in the men’s pole vault.

The Gilas Pilipinas men’s basketball team also scored a historic win, ending the Philippines’ 61-year gold drought in the Asian Games.

“All 33 Filipino medalists will receive a Presidential Citation in recognition of their demonstrated excellence and achievements in their respective sports during the recently concluded 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, thereby increasing national interest and awareness of sports among the youth and other aspiring Filipino athletes,” the PCO said.