Athletes in the roster of the national team but whose residency is in question are being considered to be given benefits and incentives as the city council is now in the final stages of drafting the Baguio City Sports Code.
In the proposed sports code of Baguio, athletes representing Baguio in national and international tournaments will be categorized as residents, affiliate, attached, and adopted. The athletes’ status will determine the prioritization and inclusion in the incentives given by the city.
This means international amateur boxers Nesthy Petecio and Irish Magno, who are enrolled in the University of Baguio and have called the city their second home, belong in the adopted category under the ordinance.
Petecio and company were the last to receive their incentives from their victories in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games where the boxer won a gold that is worth P30,000 under the 2016 sports incentive code.
Magno was granted P20,000 for her silver medal finish while Josie Gabuco and Carlo Paalam received P30,000 each as gold medal winners. Aira Villegas got P10,000 for her bronze finish.
The sports code only required a proof of residence or school identification card as qualification for the application for the incentives, which Councilor Levy Lloyd Orcales said one proof of residency is enough.
He said the proposed sports code will rectify errors in the Sports Incentive Ordinance of 2016.
Orcales was instrumental in approving a resolution recognizing Petecio and company that saw them receive their incentives last Jan. 4 during the city council’s first session.
Orcales added the sports committee, with him as co-chair of the mayor, coaches, school sports leaders, and media will determine who will be accepted in the master list wherein audition through tournaments without prizes will be staged, he added.
The city will also have a special day for athletes including recognitions and demonstrations every Dec. 7. – Ofelia C. Empian
April 19, 2024
