Pioneer Insurance is doubling the insurance coverage of the winning national athletes until Jan. 31, 2024 in a heartfelt tribute to the 32nd Southeast Asian Games medalists.
This enables the athletes to continue their training for upcoming regional and international competitions without worry.
Pioneer recently hosted a celebratory event, attended by the Philippine Sports Commission and about 25 winners representing the SEA Games medalists. The gesture is the company’s way of recognizing the grit, dedication and triumphs of the national achievers.
Pioneer Insurance president and CEO Atty. Betty Medialdea expressed admiration for the medalists. “Your relentless pursuit of excellence, unwavering commitment to your sport and indomitable spirit have inspired us. You showed us what can be accomplished through hard work, determination, and a never-give-up attitude,” she said while also commending the PSC for its commitment to nurturing and uplifting Filipino athletes.
Lorenzo Chan Jr., head of Pioneer Group of Insurance Companies, recounted their long-standing history with sports and insurance, dating back to the iconic Thrilla in Manila heavyweight boxing bout in 1975. Another significant milestone for Pioneer took place in 1991 when it was designated as the exclusive insurer of the Southeast Asian Games in Manila, where it extended P720 million worth of personal accident cover to all athletes and sportswriters from the nine participating countries.
Chan expressed gratitude this time for the opportunity to ensure the safety of the 1,347 athletes, and 312 coaches and trainers representing the Philippine National Team.
“Win or lose nandito kami kasama ng ating mga atleta sa training nila dito sa atin at pagkumpetensya sa ibang bansa katulad ng SEA Games, Asian Games at Olympics,” he said. “May your triumph be continuing proof it is possible for Filipino athletes to excel no matter the challenges and may it inspire younger generations to pursue their own dreams. If you can do it, so can they.”
The PSC acknowledged Pioneer’s initiative. Commissioner Bong Coo, speaking on behalf of chairman Richard Bachmann, said, “Alam ko na ang mga atleta po natin ay nagpapasalamat kasi ngayon lalo silang hindi natatakot mag-training nang tuloy-tuloy kasi alam nila assured na po ang kanilang medical at kung may mangyari sa kanila, narito po ang Pioneer para tulungan sila.”
Coo expressed hope for a long-lasting partnership with Pioneer to secure athletes’ welfare even after retirement.
The insurance is on top of the monetary incentives that the government will provide to the medalists under the Expanded Incentives Act or Republic Act 10699. The financial rewards, amounting to P300,000 for gold, P150,000 for silver and P60,000 for bronze, will be presented on July 20 at Malacañang.
Pioneer is a leading insurer in the Philippines, committed to offering life and non-life insurance to clients from socio economic groups A to D. Its dedication extends to supporting national programs and support of Filipino athletes.