PSC eyes to send last batch by third week of September
More than 1,000 national athletes and coaches can now avail 20 percent discounts after the Philippine Sports Commission released the second of the three batches of discount booklets.
Among the latest recipients were world champion boxer Nesthy Petecio and marathoner Mary Joy Tabal, who shared a post of their IDs and booklets on their social media accounts.
“Thank you, PSC! Unexpected delivery! May 20 percent discount na ako nito,” Petecio wrote on her Facebook post.
The IDs and booklets are pursuant to Republic Act 10699 or the “National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act,” where they can get discount privileges on transportation, hotels and restaurants, medicine purchases and leisure activities around the country.
Manuel Bitog, Chief of Assistance and Coordination Division and head of the PSC frontline personnel said the agency is doing its best to deliver everything within this month despite the pandemic and limited workforce.
“As much as possible this third week of September, we should have sent the last batch,” he said.
The Luzon-wide lockdown delayed the initial distribution efforts to national athletes and coaches, who are currently in their respective provinces after the PSC sent them home prior to the quarantine.
“Karamihan kasi ng mga inilagay ng atleta ay addresses nila nung nandito pa sila sa Rizal Memorial Sports Complex at Philsports dormitory. Kaya kinailangan naming i-update yung mga addresses nila,” Bitog said.
He added they coordinated with concerned National Sports Associations for athletes’ current addresses, and if their areas are serviceable to the courier.
“Sa ngayon, may 300 na lang na natitira as the last batch dahil hinihintay naming i-forward sa amin ang addresses nila,” Bitog said.
PSC chairman Butch Ramirez, who is on top of these efforts, believes in the positive implication of this progress to the national athletes and coaches, most especially in this time of pandemic.
“We have always been supportive of our athletes and coaches and we hope this privilege helps in easing their burdens caused by COVID-19,” he said.