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Saturday, August 02, 2008
Arroyo raises incentive for Olympic gold
MANILA -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has increased the incentive for Filipino Olympic gold medalists to P15 million, in hopes of finally winning the first gold for the country.
Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said the President, during the courtesy call and send-off ceremonies in Malacañang for the 15-man Philippine Team delegation to the Beijing Olympics, announced an additional P4.5 million for every athlete that would win gold in the Olympics.
Arroyo Watch: Sun.Star blog on President Arroyo
Dureza said this is in addition to the P5-million incentive for gold medalists already provided for under the law and the P5.5 million that would come from the private sector.
Butch Ramirez, commissioner of the Philippines Sports Commission, said other incentives including a brand new 2008 Toyota Altis, amounting to P1.035 million, would be given to the first Filipino athlete to win the gold in the Beijing Olympics.
Under the Sports Benefits and Incentives Act of 2001, gold medalists would receive P5 million while the silver medalists get P2.5 million. Those bringing home bronze medals would be given P1 million.
Dureza said the President, during the event attended by the 15-man delegation and 16 sports officials, also turned over the Philippine Flag to WBC super featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao who would be the country's flag bearer in the Olympics.
"She (President Arroyo) said that she we would like you (Filipino athletes) to show the best of the Filipino in that particular event," he added.
Arroyo would personally watch the opening of the Beijing Olympics on August 8. She would be in China from August 7 to 9 to visit Chengdu first, then Beijing. (JMR/Sunnex)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro. (August 2, 2008 issue)
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