POC confirms 3 million-peso reward for Asian Games gold medalists

The POC reveals millions of pesos as cash incentives to the Asian Games gold medalists (Noel Pabalate via mb.com.ph)

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Filipino athletes that will compete in the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, will have to strive for their best as a three million-peso incentive reward awaits them if they clinch a gold medal.

During the send-off for the PHL national athletes that will fly to China last September 18, 2023, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) announced the recent development held at the PICC in Pasay City.

According to POC president Abraham Tolentino, the two million pesos will be rewarded by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) while the additional one million will be coming from them.

All these cash rewards are backed up by the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act (Republic Act 10699).

Aside from the gold medalists, second-placers will also receive a gift of one million pesos while bronze winners will be given 400,000 pesos.

The Philippines will be aiming to surpass their previous medal tally of four golds, two silvers, and 15 bronze medals won in Indonesia.

Several athletes are now starting to head to China as the tournament will kick off on September 23, 2023, and will end on October 8, 2023.

During the send-off ceremony, the POC also announced that skater Margielyn Didal and pole vaulter EJ Obiena will be the flag bearers for the PHL.

Also gracing the event were Senator Bong Go, PSC chairman Richard Bachmann, and Philippine Paralympic Olympic Committee president Mike Barredo.