PBBM announces historic incentives for Palarong Pambansa medalists

For the first time in the storied history of the Palarong Pambansa, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has earmarked P10 million in cash incentives for medal winners, following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to revitalize the national grassroots sports program.

President Marcos unveiled the groundbreaking initiative on Sunday during the opening ceremony of the 66th Palarong Pambansa in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur to be implemented by the PSC in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), organizer of the Games that showcase the finest student-athletes from elementary and secondary divisions nationwide.

"Masaya akong ibalita sa inyo na sa unang pagkakataon, maglalaan ang Philippine Sports Commission ng mga incentives para sa mga medalists ng regular sports at para games bilang pagkilala sa inyong husay,’’ said President Marcos in a video message.

"Alam ko na gagawin ninyo ang inyong makakaya. Marami kayong matututunan sa Palarong ito na madadala ninyo kahit saan man kayo magpunta. Dito ninyo matututunan ang tiyaga, respeto, disiplina at malasakit sa kapwa,’’ added Marcos.

Under the program, gold medalists will receive P5,000, silver medalists P3,000, and bronze medalists P2,000, a move designed to sustain the training and athletic development of the country’s young sports heroes while easing the financial sacrifices made by their families.

“Upang makatulong sa training ng atleta at sa mga gastos ni Papa at Mama. Maliit na halaga lang po ito sa dami ng lalahok at mananalo sa Palarong Pambansa. This is just a sincere gesture from our government na mula po sa puso,” said PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio.

The PSC emphasized that the program is not only about financial support but also about sending a powerful message that the government stands firmly behind its young athletes from the very beginning of their journey.

“These incentives will likewise help motivate our young student-athletes to strive harder and to train more diligently. Tulong upang maabot ang kanilang pangarap,” said Gregorio said.

With the help of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), headed by Chairman Al Tengco, the PSC will ensure that the P10 million incentive fund reaches the Palaro medalists and becomes a catalyst for deeper investment in grassroots sports.

“Lahat po ito nagagawa natin sa tulong ng PAGCOR,” said Gregorio.

While modest relative to the number of participants and winners across all events, the PSC underscored that this is a meaningful first step, a clear signal that the government is committed to standing behind its young champions from the grassroots level all the way to the world stage.

"Ngayon pa lang saludo kami sa inyo. You are the next generation of Filipino athletes who will bring great honor and glory to our country,’’ Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara told the athletes.

The 66th edition of the Palarong Pambansa, the country’s premier showcase of student-athlete talent, officially opened Sunday at the Patin-ay Sports Complex here.

More than 13,000 student-athletes are set to compete across 35 sports until May 31, including four para sports (athletics, bocce, goalball, swimming), three demonstration sports (karatedo, kickboxing, soft tennis), and four exhibition sports (arnis, muay thai, sitting volleyball, table tennis).

"Malapit sa puso ng ating Presidente ang sports. Malaking budget ang nailaan this year sa Palaro, mula sa pagbuo ng school sports at katulong ang PSC sa pag-aayos ng sports facilities. Lahat po iyan ay utos ng ating mahal na Pangulo,’’ said Angara.

Gregorio underscored that the victories of the youth are victories for the nation, affirming that this initiative is anchored on the PSC’s vision for Philippine sports based on the directive of President Marcos to strengthen grassroots sports:

From Grassroots (Palaro) to Gold (Olympics). From Gold (medals) to Greatness (legacy and service to the nation).

The PSC and DepEd remain firmly committed to investing in the future of athletes, nurturing champions not just in competition, but in character, and building a stronger, deeper sports pipeline from every barangay, every school, and every playing field across the country. DANNY SIMON