At A Glance
- All national athletes and coaches are expected to receive a P5,000 increase in their monthly allowances starting next month.
All national athletes and coaches are expected to receive a P5,000 increase in their monthly allowances starting next month.
Newly-appointed Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio made the announcement on Tuesday, July 8, during the General Assembly attended by athletes, coaches and officials that included Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.
The move was part of the immediate interventions listed by Gregorio in carrying President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to take care of the athletes and coaches. The additional allowance was approved by the PSC Board on the same day.
"We realize that so many athletes still get P10,000 per month. Mas mababa po yun sa minimum wage. How can our athletes survive kung mas bababa yung P10,000?" said Gregorio.
Gregorio is confident the PSC has enough funds for the additional allowance, which would amount to P10 million.
"Andyan naman po ang mga kaibigan natin sa kongreso," he said.
Aside from additional allowances, Gregorio promised to streamline the process of disbursing allowances by five days, contingent on timely competition of documentary support.
Gregorio also said a 24/7 help desk for athletes shall be established to enhance athlete support, and a new food concessionaire shall reactivate athletes’ cafeterias in the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, the Philsports Complex and the PSC Baguio soon.
The government sports agency will also be restarting procurement of training tracksuits with a simplified process and design to ensure no failed bidding.