Signs of another banner Olympic bid in Paris next year are encouraging, but a minuscule budget from the government could certainly tone that down.
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has forwarded a proposed 2024 budget of P3.7 billion covering the nation’s Olympic campaign in Paris and the rehabilitation of a key training venue, but a huge chunk of it won’t be approved and the funding agency might be forced to settle for a lot less.
Concerned over this, at least three senators have rallied behind the PSC and pitched support to ensure that the cash well to make sure potential Olympic medalists Carlos Yulo of gymnastics, pole vaulter EJ Obiena and boxer Eumir Marcial, among others, can contend, won’t run dry.
Senator Bong Go pointed out the Department of Budget and Management only approved P174 million for the PSC for 2024.
Go is pushing for at least an additional P500 million for grassroots programs, a move that gained the backing of Senators Pia Cayetano and Sonny Angara.
There are over a thousand athletes from at least 70 sports that the PSC is now funding, including monthly allowances and dormitories. INQ