ILOILO – The Iloilo provincial government has released P2.767 million in cash incentives to 420 medal-winning athletes, reinforcing its commitment to rewarding sporting excellence and encouraging more young Ilonggos to compete at the regional and national levels.
The financial rewards, distributed during the “Pasidungog sa Atletang Ilonggo” recognition ceremony at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol on October 11, form part of the province’s institutionalized incentive program for athletes who bring home medals from major sporting competitions.
The biggest share of the incentives, amounting to P1.892 million, went to athletes who competed in the Palarong Pambansa, the country’s premier national sporting competition for elementary and secondary school athletes.
Another P626,000 was allocated to medal winners in Batang Pinoy and other regional and national sporting events, while P249,000 was earmarked for athletes who participated in the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet.
The distribution was spearheaded by Iloilo Sports Development and Management Office (ISDMO) head Dr. Janelyn Fundal and Senior Sports Development Officer Ray Cabarles.
Beyond recognizing individual achievements, the provincial government’s incentive program seeks to strengthen Iloilo’s sports development efforts by providing tangible rewards for athletes who demonstrate excellence in competitive sports.
The financial assistance is anchored on Resolution No. 2022-256 and Provincial Ordinance No. 2022-217, which institutionalize rewards and recognition for outstanding provincial athletes, coaches, assistant coaches, trainers and chaperones who excel in various sporting competitions.
The ordinance provides a policy framework for recognizing sporting achievements, making financial incentives part of the provincial government’s continuing support for athletic development rather than merely occasional rewards.
Under the administration of Governor Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr., the provincial government has maintained its commitment to nurturing homegrown sporting talent and encouraging young athletes to pursue higher levels of competition.
The latest distribution also underscores the province’s recognition of the discipline, perseverance and sacrifices required of athletes to compete successfully against some of the country’s best sporting talents.
Through the incentive program, the provincial government hopes to motivate more Ilonggo athletes to pursue competitive sports, improve their performance and bring further recognition to Iloilo in future regional and national competitions.
The “Pasidungog sa Atletang Ilonggo” initiative likewise highlights the importance of sustained government investment in sports as a means of developing young talent and promoting athletic excellence across the province./PN
