MANILA -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will meet the Filipino athletes in Malacañang on Wednesday as she hands over them the bonuses for their impressive performances in the recent 25th Southeast Asian Games in Laos.
The awarding rites will held at the Heroes' Hall wherein the President will award P15 million to the medalists, courtesy of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the private sector.
“It’s ready and this is our way again to congratulate them of their achievements in Laos,” said Angping of the total cash incentives.
Of the P15 million, Angping said P6.6 million was allocated by the government through Republic Act 9064, or the Athletes and Coaches Incentives Act, which grants P100,000 for gold, P50,000 for silver and P10,000 for bronze medalists.
He said the “extra money” was raised through the help of Tagaytay Highlands, Pacific Online, Discovery Suites and Hapee Toothpaste of Lamoiyan Corp.
The PSC earlier handed over P100,000 each or P3.8 million to the 38 gold medalists during the agency's Christmas party at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium last December 22. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)