Tokyo Olympics silver medalists Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam, who made Baguio their residence while pursuing their studies at the University of Baguio and training for the national boxing squad, might also be entitled to cash incentives from the city government.
This is by virtue of the Baguio City Sports Code signed last March by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, which awards cash incentives to city-recognized athletes who win in regional, national, and international tournaments.
Coaches of the winning athletes are also entitled to cash incentives based on the Sports Code.
Petecio and Paalam’s coaches – Reynaldo Galido and Nolito Velasco – are reported to receive P200,000 each.
Based on the Sports Code, the 29-year-old Petecio and 23-year-old Paalam could be entitled to around P400,000 each for their silver medals in the women’s featherweight and men’s flyweight.
This could be the biggest cash incentive to be released by the city government following an international sports event, especially when Magalong earlier claimed those who won in the Olympics, which is staged every four years, would receive higher cash incentive.
Petecio and Paalam, along with gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and bronze medalist Eumir Marcia, were congratulated by world-class athletes in the Cordillera, particularly from Team Lakay, the undisputed top mixed martial arts team in Southeast Asia.
Legendary Team Lakay Chair Mark Sangiao joined the nation in expressing his glee for the superb showing Team Philippines had in the recently concluded 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Sangiao, himself a former national athlete and a national team coach, could relate to the tough journey these athletes have gone through to get to their sport’s pinnacles.
After the medal accomplishments of these athletes, pledges – monetary and in-kind – have been showered to the medalists, rightful rewards for the pride they brought to the country. – Harley F. Palangchao
April 26, 2024
