The Philippine Sports Commission is organizing relief efforts for members of the national team severely affected by typhoon Odette.
“This is a force of nature that we cannot control. However, we can do our share to help them get through this. We will do all we can with the resources available, ” said PSC chairman William Ramirez.
The PSC management committee, led by PSC Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr. met Monday to finalize the logistics for the care package.
The PSC has been monitoring the situation of the members of the Philippine National Team affected by typhoon Odette, which ravaged the Visayas and Mindanao region late last week.
“We are closely keeping track of the situation of our athletes. There is quite a number affected like in Bohol where Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) has a small gym which was washed-out in the reports we received.” Ramirez added.
Iroy is leading the charge of efforts, connecting with the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the transport and delivery of goods like mattresses and water bottles.
Odette, which has an international name Rai, is the 15th typhoon to hit the Philippines this year. According to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, Odette weakened slightly from a Category 5 to a Category 3 storm after making a landfall Thursday on Siargao Island.
Meanwhile, members of the national team will be receiving a cash gift of P10,000 pesos each as the PSC prepares to release the said financial bonus this week.
Ramirez and PSC Commissioners Mon Fernandez, Celia Kiram, Charles Maxey and Arnold Agustin approved the Christmas monetary gift in their last board meeting despite challenges in the sports agency’s resources.
“Whatever hinders the income of our benefactors, hinders our cash flow too. However, the holidays will come nevertheless, and we wish for our athletes and coaches to be able to celebrate well with family too,” said Ramirez, adding that this Christmas gift is on top of their monthly allowances.
Despite the many challenges this year, especially for those hit by Typhoon Odette last week, the sports chief wishes our athletes to have a meaningful observance of the holidays with their families.