The Tokyo Paralympics is set from August 24 to Sept. 5.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 12) – The government and the private sector continue to provide more financial support to Filipino para-athletes ahead of the Tokyo Paralympics set from Aug. 24 to Sept. 5.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez announced the agency will triple the allowances of Filipino para-athletes, coaches, and officials. He said their original allowance of ₱50,000 will be increased to ₱150,000.
“(This is) to ignite inspiration among our Paralympians and also help them with their expenses there because we saw that costs are high in Japan,” said Ramirez in a virtual media forum on Thursday.
Ramirez said the PSC board of commissioners unanimously approved the increase of allowances.
“Kung nag-e-enjoy ka, mas maganda ang pulso mo (If you’re enjoying, your pulse will be better),” the PSC chairman said, as he reminded athletes to enjoy their experience.
Meanwhile, MVP Sports Foundation President Al Panlilio confirmed to CNN Philippines the organization will match the government cash incentives for medal winners in the Tokyo Paralympics.
Under Republic Act 10699, a Paralympic gold medalist will receive ₱5 million from the government while a silver medalist will get ₱2.5 million. The bronze medalist will be rewarded ₱1 million.
Philippine Paralympic Committee President Mike Barredo also confirmed MVPSF’s initiative to match the incentives for medal-winning Paralympians, saying this will further boost the much needed recognition of Filipino para-athletes in society.
“I’m personally happy with the incentives pledged by the MVP Group, but I’m actually happier because of the recognition. Without the recognition due to that law, our athletes will not be able to get the benefits,” Barredo told CNN Philippines. “Now we are included and it is now inclusive in the sense that they’re getting these same benefits.”
The six Filipino Tokyo Paralympians are swimmers Gary Bejino and Ernie Gawilan, wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan, discus thrower Jeanette Aceveda, powerlifter Achelle Guion, and taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin.
BREAKING: The MVP Sports Foundation will match the government cash incentives for Filipino para-athletes who will win a medal in the Tokyo Paralympics, MVPSF President Al Panlilio confirms to CNN Philippines. | @dtdyumol pic.twitter.com/UfH0URnXBg
— CNN Philippines Sports Desk (@sportsdeskph) August 12, 2021
