Members of the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball team received a total of P12 million in incentives, double the amount that they were supposed to get after winning the gold medal in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
Malacañang doubled the cash bonuses of Team Philippines, which brought home four golds, two silvers and 12 bronze medals during the two-week meet from September 23 to October 8.
From a total of P19.1 million in incentives meant for gold silver and bronze medalists, additional checks amounting to P22.8 million came from the Office of the President.
President Marcos praised the athletes, saying: “Let us thank our athletes. They introduced the Philippines to the world. How great Filipinos, in unity, are when they work together. And this is what can be achieved. And when they compete, the whole world will be able to see the country in its glory.”
Most of the players of Gilas showed for ceremony, filled with Pinoy rock music and with a big and young crowd of students welcoming and cheering for them at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum late Wednesday afternoon.
The ceremony was dubbed “Gabi ng Parangal at Pasasalamat para sa Bayaning Atletang Pilipino.” Each of the members of the Gilas got P500,000, along with an added P500,000.
The grand heroes’ welcome featured video presentations and production numbers to highlight the stories and great service of our national athletes and their coaches.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino and Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann presented the checks to the athletes and their coaches.
Aside from Gilas, EJ Obiena also won the gold in pole vault, even as Meggie Ochoa and Annie Ramirez reigned supreme in jiu-jitsu,
Also honored were silver medalists Eumir Felix Marcial of boxing and Arnel Mandal of wushu, together with bronze medalists’ Patrick King Perez of taekwondo, Jones Inso, Gideon Padua and Clemente Tabugara Jr. of wushu.
Alex Eala and Francis Alcantara of tennis was also feted, with Patrick Coo of cycling, Elreen Ando of weightlifting, Kaila Napolis of jiu-jitsu, Sakura Alforte of karate, and the men’s sepak takraw team.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, and Brgy. Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua, the Gilas team manager, were also around. Peter Atencio
“This celebration is a testament to the national government’s unwavering support to each of our national athletes. We thank the President for personally coming over here at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum to honor our medalist, their coaches and their families,” said PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann. Peter Atencio