PHILIPPINE Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio announced additional financial support for Team Pilipinas while challenging the country’s athletes to surpass its recent Asian Games gold-medal haul in Nagoya.
All athletes and coaches competing in the Asian Games will receive an additional ₱6,000 allowance, following approval from the Philippine Sports Commission.
“Bawat isa po nag-approve po ang Philippine Sports Commission, all athletes and coaches will get an additional P6,000 para sa darating Asian Games,” Gregorio said during the official send-off ceremony on Tuesday.
But the PSC chief said the added allowance is only part of the support being extended to the delegation, as he raised the stakes for athletes who can deliver more gold medals for the Philippines.
He challenged the national delegation to surpass the country’s previous four-gold medal mark, while also setting a separate challenge for the Philippine contingent in the Asian Para Games.
“Kapag nilagpasan n’yo iyung apat na medalyang ginto sa Nagoya, ako na mismo ang makikiusap sa mga PSC commissioners. Additional reward to the entire delegation,” Gregorio said.
Gregorio said the target is achievable given the quality of athletes being sent to Japan, stressing that every member of the delegation has the potential to win a medal.
“Ang sagot ko, lahat ng ipapadala sa Asian Games, puwedeng mag-ginto. Lahat puwedeng mag-medalya,” he said.
The PSC chairman also pointed to the broader improvements being made to Philippine sports, including athletes welfare programs, regional training centers and upgraded sports facilities around the country.
Among the projects he mentioned are additional transportation and equipment for athletes, improvements to dining facilities, new tracksuits and the continued development of regional training hubs for different sports.
Gregorio also highlighted the government’s plans to expand facilities beyond Metro Manila, including training centers and sports complexes in different parts of the country.
The PSC is likewise looking to strengthen the Philippines’ position as a host of major international competitions, with Gregorio citing upcoming events such as the Southeast Asian Youth Games, Asian Youth Games and Asian Beach Games.
For the delegation heading to Nagoya, however, the immediate mission remains clear: build on the Philippines’ recent performances and return home with more gold medals.
“Let us all beat that four gold medals. Let us achieve more,” Gregorio said.
With the ₱6,000 additional allowance already approved and a possible further reward awaiting a record-breaking performance, Gregorio left the athletes with a simple challenge to give everything they have once competition begins.
“Bago kayo bumalik, you will have a very good Christmas. I assure you,” said Greforio. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
