BY MARY JOY CAVAÑAS
ILOILO City – The city government has set aside P4.8 million to support its delegation participating in the National Batang Pinoy 2023, which will take place in Metro Manila from Dec. 17 to 23.
The delegation comprises 362 individuals, including 150 athletes and coaches from public schools and 212 from private schools, according to Rudiver Jungco Sr., executive assistant for youth and sports to Mayor Jerry Treñas.
Athletes and coaches from public schools will receive a total of P3.9 million, funded by the city’s Special Education Fund (SEF).
Each participant will receive approximately P20,000 to cover meal and transportation expenses, along with other related costs.
Per existing regulations, the SEF is exclusively used for supporting public school operations and maintenance; the repair, construction, and equipping of school buildings; educational development and research; and sports enhancement.
In contrast, the 212 athletes and coaches from private schools will each receive a P4,000 allowance, amounting to a total of P848,000. This sum is drawn from the city’s General Fund and Trust Fund.
Jungco noted that with the year’s end approaching, the only remaining funds in the General Fund allocated for this sports event amount to P148,000. This amount is supplemented by a P700,000 Trust Fund derived from Batang Pinoy incentives.
He assured the public that these funds would be disbursed prior to the commencement of the national sports event.
During the Batang Pinoy 2022 National Championship, Iloilo City secured fifth place, entitling it to a cash incentive from the Philippine Sports Commission, which has been deposited into a Trust Fund./PN
