The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has earmarked P46.23 million to bolster the country’s medal drive in the coming Tokyo Olympics.
The amount was approved Tuesday during the PSC board meeting, based on the proposed budget of the Philippine Olympic Committee.
PSC chairman Butch Ramirez said the sports agency is happy to accept and approve the POC’s request, reiterating the government’s commitment to supporting the national team’s effort to bring the best contingent possible to the Tokyo Olympics.
It will cover the international airfare, hotel and accommodation and allowances of athletes and officials as well as the Covid-19 testing prior to departure, hotel quarantine expenses, and insurance for Covid-19 treatment, travel and repatriation of the entire Philippine delegation.
The POC proposal does not include the costs for other items, such as flags, flaglets and pins, luggage, and parade uniforms that would be needed should there be an opening and closing parade.
The P46.230-million assistance is still subject to adjustment, based on the actual participation of Filipino athletes, coaches, and officials in Tokyo and to accounting and auditing rules.
So far, nine Filipino athletes have officially qualified, including pole vault ace EJ Obiena, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, gymnast Carlos Yulo, boxers Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, Irish Magno and Eumir Marcial, taekwondo jin Kurt Barbosa, and rower Cris Nievarez.
New US Open golf champion Yuka Saso, fellow golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Juvic Pagunsan, and skateboarder Margielyn Didal, are likewise anticipated to make the cut and join Team Philippines in the July 23-Aug. 8 Summer Games.
All of them are targeting to capture the country’s first-ever gold medal in the Olympics.*PNA
