Business tycoons to award millions of pesos to the Filipino Olympic gold medalists.
Hidilyn Diaz delivered the Philippines’ first gold medal after winning the women’s 55 kilograms weightlifting competition at the Tokyo Olympics. The gold rush may not wane down from our golden girl just yet, but the House of Representatives is already preparing a hero’s welcome for her. “Our heartfelt congratulations to Filipino weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz for her historic gold win in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. Thank you for claiming the country’s first Olympic gold medal. You have made all of us proud!” Speaker Lord Allan Velasco said.
It doesn’t end there, because millions of pesos await Diaz in the Philippines. First off, Manny Pangilinan of the MVP Sports Foundation announced last July 8 that they will award the Filipino Olympic gold, silver, and bronze medalists P10 million, P5 million, and P2 million, respectively. The cash will be given on top of the incentives they were already entitled to receive in accordance with the Republic Act 10699, which was signed by the late President Benigno S. Aquino III in 2015.
More pledges
Just when you thought that a 10 million is already a substantial amount, another business tycoon pledged millions to the athlete who will win the gold medal. Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said in a much later date that San Miguel Corporation head Ramon S. Ang promised to match the rewards. “Now, RSA is giving the same amount,” shared Tolentino. “I expect more to come once the gold is delivered. It may even reach P50 million”, Tolentino said.
Adding more fuel to our athletes’ motivation, the POC president, Tolentino himself, will also reward a house and lot in Tagaytay as well.
Last July 20, House Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero announced that he will personally commit an additional P3 million for a gold. In total, the bonus has now hiked up to P33 million. As for Diaz, her hometown, Zamboanga city was reported to also pitch in a cash reward of 2.5 million pesos in accordance with the law. So, our first Olympic gold medalist is expected to receive more or less P35.5 million.
Lack of support
Not all Filipino athletes came from the elite class. Some of them came from humble family backgrounds, and have risk it all to achieve their dreams with goals to also give their families a better life, making all of our athletes deserving of all these rewards. In fact, with Diaz’ historic win, the athletes’ lack of support from the government was raised once again, especially the remark Diaz made before the Olympic games.
Now, supporters wish that along with Hidilyn, all Filipino athletes will get the attention and support that they all deserve.
Related:
Exclusive: The Olympic Bound Pinoy Athletes Like You’ve Never Seen Before
The Powerful Filipinas Who Were Qualified For Tokyo Olympics
