A total of 421 athletes and their coaches and chaperons, who took home medals in the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet and Palarong Pambasa last year, got their incentives from the Iloilo Provincial Government this morning.
The ceremonial turnover was led by Vice Governor Christine Garin, author of Provincial Ordinance 2000-217 granting rewards and recognition to Iloilo provincial athletes, coaches and assistant coaches, Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, representing Gov. Arthur Defensor, Jr., Board Member June Mondejar, Iloilo Schools Division Superintendent Ernesto Servillon, and Iloilo Sports Development and Management Office (ISDMO) head Dr. Janelyn Fundal.
Under Provincial Ordinance 2000-217, athletes who won medals in the WVRAA Meet are entitled to cash incentives: Bronze – PHP 2,000; Silver – PHP 3,000; Gold – PHP 5,000.
Medalists in Palarong Pambansa are entitled to the following cash incentives: Bronze – PHP 4,000; Silver – PHP 6,000; Gold – PHP 8,000.
Coaches, assistant coaches, trainers, and official chaperons were also given separate cash incentives.
Medalists of international sports events such as SEA Games, ASEAN Games, Asian Games, etc. are also entitled to incentives under the said ordinance.
Sports Development Officer Ray Cabarles said the province released PHP 4,023,000 for all the medalists and their coaches.
Fundal said the ceremonial turnover celebrates “the achievements and hard work of these remarkable sportsmen”.
“This occasion stands as a token of appreciation for the tremendous efforts you athletes, coaches, trainers and parents have put into your respective sports events,” said Fundal.
Also presented during the activity, were the 49 athletes and scholars of the province who qualified in the sports educational assistance program under Provincial Ordinance No. 2019-199.
The recipients, composed of elementary and secondary athletes, are entitled to educational assistance of PHP 24,000 per year.
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias cited the importance given by Governor Defensor to the sports and education programs.
He reminded the athletes that while they excel in their respective sports events they should also focus on academics.
Banias stressed that Gov. Defensor allotted a substantial amount to fund sports programs such as the establishment of football fields in major schools, the school varsity program and the athletes' scholarship program.
