“It is only fitting that, apart from the thanks of a grateful nation, we also present you with incentives to help you along. At alam naman natin napakaraming pangangailangan kapag tayo’y lumalaban dito sa mga international sports competition (And we know that there are so many needs when we compete in international sports competitions),” he said.
“So, as we hand these to you, remember that these are not merely monetary tokens. They are symbols of the love of your countrymen and their admiration for all the sacrifices that you have made for your country and for your countrymen,” he added.
Atop the podium for a para- athlete comes the biggest payday: a cool P5 million for the Paralympic Games. Every drop of sweat translates to financial security, a recognition of years of relentless training and unwavering dedication.
But the rewards cascade across competitions. Asian Para Games gold, for instance, nets P1 million, a significant sum that can change the lives of athletes and their families. Even regional triumphs at the Southeast Asian Games bring P100,000 for gold, a testament to the commitment of the government to acknowledge every athlete's contribution.
The silver lining isn't shabby either. Paralympics silver medals clink to the tune of P2.5 million; and P500,000 for the Asian Para Games. Every podium finish, regardless of color, carries the weight of national pride and financial acknowledgement.
While bronze may not have the same sparkle, it still rings up P1 million for a Paralympics podium finish and P200,000 for Asian Para Games glory. These sums, though smaller, represent a significant boost for many athletes who dedicate their lives to their sport.
Beyond the immediate financial rewards, these cash incentives send a powerful message: the Philippines values its athletes, their achievements, and their sacrifices. It's a tangible investment in sports development, a recognition that athletic excellence deserves not just applause and inclusivity, but also financial stability.
So, the next time you cheer for a Filipino para- athlete soaring on the world stage, remember, their victory isn't just a personal triumph; it's a national achievement rewarded with well-deserved financial recognition. The cash may not replace the years of dedication, but it certainly offers a sweet taste of victory that extends far beyond the podium.
For other games, athletes who get gold receive from the government:
- P10 million for Olympic gold in the Summer and Winter Olympics
- P2 million for Asian Winter Games, and Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games
- P1 million for World-level competitions held at least every two years with at least 45 countries participating
- P500,000 for Asian Beach Games, Asian-level competitions held at least every two years with at least 25 countries participating, and qualifying competitions for World-level and Asian-level games
While silver medalists are awarded:
- P5 million for Summer and Olympic Games
- P2.5 million for Youth Olympic Games
- P1 million for Asian Games, Asian Winter Games, and Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games
- P500,000 for Asian Para Games and World-level competitions held at least every two years with at least 45 countries participating
- P250,000 for Asian Beach Games, Asian-level competitions held at least every two years with at least 25 countries participating, and qualifying competitions for World-level and Asian-level games
- P75,000 for ASEAN Para Games
On the other hand, bronze medalists are given:
- P2 million for Summer Olympic and Winter Olympic Games
- P1 million for Youth Olympic Games;
- P400,000 for Asian Games, Asian Winter Games, and Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games;
- P200,000 for World-level competitions held at least every two years with at least 45 countries participating;
- P100,000 for Asian Beach Games, Asian-level competitions held at least every two years with at least 25 countries participating, and qualifying competitions for World-level and Asian-level games;
- P30,000 for ASEAN Para Games
Aside from the cash incentives, the Sports Benefits and Incentives Act of 2001 provides Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) registered national athlete, coach, and trainer these following benefits:
- A 20 percent sales discount in restaurants, recreation centers, hotels and other forms of accommodation, transportation services.
- A 20 percent discount for the purchase of medicine and sports equipment anywhere in the country.
- Minimum of 20 percent discount on admission fees in theaters, cinema houses, concert halls, circuses and carnivals, and other leisure and amusement facilities
- Free medical and dental consultations in private or public hospitals
- Free medical insurance program provided by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)
- A comprehensive social security program from the Social Security System
- Priority in livelihood programs, housing programs
Scholarship benefits
A national athlete who won in an international competition is entitled to a scholarship benefits in the form of full tuition fees in state colleges and universities
Retirement benefits
Any national athlete who wins in an international competition will receive a lump sum amount equivalent to 25 percent of his total cash incentives computed from the start of his sports career up to the last day of retirement
Death benefits
Upon the death of a national athlete, his/her primary beneficiaries will be entitled to funeral assistance worth P30,000. (PIA-NCR)
