Manny V Pangilinan, Lucio Tan boost cash windfall for PH rowers

MANILA—The Cobra Philippine Dragon Boat Federation team continued to reap the reward of its triumphant campaign in the recent World Championships.

Businessman and sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan of PLDT/Smart and and Asia Brewery Inc. top honcho Lucio Tan became the latest benefactors of the paddlers, who fought the odds to win five gold medals and two silvers in the Worlds held in Tampa Bay, Florida from Aug. 3-7.

Pangilinan gifted the team P1 million last Thursday, while Tan gave each team member P60,000 Friday night, according to PDBF president Marcia Cristobal.

She said the team has received several offers for product endorsements but Cristobal said she can’t discuss the details yet.

Media network ABS-CBN has earlier rewarded the PDBF squad P1 million, and the 280-member House of Representatives promised to fork P5,000 each for the team.

The team also received paddles and boats from private individuals and the International Dragon Boat Federation.

The windfall was way bigger than what was denied them by the Philippine Sports Commission, which refused the paddlers any financial assistance because they were not endorsed by the Philippine Olympic Committee.

The PSC, however, is supporting a V8 Supercars event. PSC chair Richie Garcia is scheduled to meet the paddlers next week.