March 29, 2024

Even world-class and Baguio-based Filipina boxers Irish Magno and Nesty Petecio are affected by the financial woes encountered by the Philippine Sports Commission.

Last week, PSC Commissioner Ramon Fernandez informed the 14 members of the Philippine Boxing Team currently training at Teachers’ Camp in Baguio of the cut on their financial support on their accommodation.

The national boxing squad members were likewise informed to stop their training and return to Manila.

Included in the affected boxing team members are the Olympics-bound Magno and world boxing gold medalist Petecio.

The decision to pull out and end the training of the boxers was reached after PSC noted there are no major international tournaments where they could compete this year.

“All athletes must be sent home since there’s no more competition ahead. At least we could minimize the expenses,” Fernandez was quoted as saying.

PSC earlier received a measly P9 million share from the monthly gross revenue of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

Remittances are usually sourced from the Pagcor, but their budget took a massive hit since casinos were closed due to the pandemic.

PSC’s fund was likewise cut by more than half by the Department of Budget and Management in line with the government’s response to Covid-19.

To recall, Baguio would have an Olympian in Magno, a 28-year-old University of Baguio student, 28 years after Igorot long-distance runner Hector Begeo.

Baguio had a third Olympian, the late judoka Jerry Diño. – Harley F. Palangchao