The country’s top sports officials — Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann put the national athletes at the center of their respective Christmas celebrations.
The POC and PSC kicked off their Yuletide season by distributing the cash incentives of those who gave honor to the country during the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
Both agencies joined hands in ensuring the athletes who poured their blood, sweat and tears in the prestigious quadrennial event get their well-deserved rewards in time for the holidays.
Jiu-jitsu fighters Meggie Ochoa and Annie Ramirez, pole vaulter EJ Obiena and the Philippine men’s basketball team Gilas Pilipinas received P2 million bonus each for striking gold in the continental sports meet.
(PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF PSC) PSC chairman Richard ‘Dickie’ Bachmann celebrates the holiday season with the athletes at the grassroots level in the Batang Pinoy and Philippine National Games.
Meanwhile, silver medalists wushu artist Arnel Mandal and boxer Eumir Marcial each pocketed P1 million.
Weightlifter Elreen Ando, tennis players Alex Eala and Francis Alcantara, Sakura Alforte of karate, sepak takraw’s Ronsited Gabayeron, Mark Joseph Gonzales, Jason Huerte, Rheyjey Ortouste, Jom Lerry Rafael and Vince Alyson Torno, taekwondo jin Patrick King Perez, cyclist Patrick Coo, jiu-jitsu’s Kaila Napolis and wushu’s Jones Inso, Gideon Fred Padua and Clemente Tabugara Jr. accounted for the Philippines 12 bronze medals and got P500,000 each.
The incentives given were under Republic Act No. 10699. The PSC, the government’s sports agency, is in charge of handing out rewards to the athletes.
The POC also gave out P10.6 million to the Asiad medalists during its general assembly last 12 December at the East Ocean Palace Restaurant in Parañaque City.
“It was a general assembly where the POC family came together in joy and camaraderie full of Christmas spirit. We didn’t discuss any topic but just gave the incentives and hosted our Christmas Party,” Tolentino said.
Before the Christmas break, the PSC also held the annual Batang Pinoy from 17 to 22 December at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
“The kids have been waiting for an event to showcase their skills so we’re just giving that. If they win, that’s also a good Christmas gift for them,” Bachmann told Daily Tribune.
On the other hand, the POC raised P3.6 million for the incentives of the athletes during the 2023 POC Golf Cup at Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac held last month.
“Special thanks to all who made the first-ever POC Golf Cup at Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac a triumphant success. A big shout out to our sponsors, especially the national sports associations who stood by us,” Tolentino said.
“Together, we’ve achieved greatness, raising P3.6 million for the Athletes Incentives Fund. Here’s to more swings, victories, and unwavering support for our athletes.”
True enough, Christmas is a season of giving.
And with both Tolentino and Bachmann having a heart for the athletes, it was truly a merry Christmas for them.
