Bacolod rewards Palaro athletes with PHP 1.78 million

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The city government released PHP 1.78 million in cash incentives Thursday to 284 delegates of this year’s Palarong Pambansa.

Mayor Greg Gasataya led the payout to athletes, coaches, trainers, and chaperones during a recognition and awarding ceremony at the Bacolod City Government Center.

Bacolod Schools Division Superintendent Dennis Develos, Sports Coordinator Lila Arro, and other Department of Education officials attended the ceremony.

The incentives were granted to 54 medalists, 48 coaches, trainers, and chaperones, and 133 nonplacers who represented the Negros Island Region in the national competition held in Agusan del Sur from May 24 to 31.

The Palarong Pambansa is the Department of Education’s annual national multisport competition for student-athletes from across the country. (DepEd Region III)

Gasataya said it was proper and fitting for the delegates to receive the incentives after what they went through in bringing pride to the region.

He said the recognition would inspire them to work and train harder.

Gold medalists and their coaches each received PHP 18,000, while assistant coaches were given PHP 15,000.

Trainers and chaperones received PHP 10,000 each.

Silver medalists and their coaches each received PHP 15,000, while assistant coaches received PHP 12,000.

Trainers and chaperones of silver medalists were granted PHP 8,000 each.

Bronze medalists and their coaches received PHP 10,000 each, while assistant coaches received PHP 8,000.

Trainers and chaperones of bronze medalists received PHP 5,000 each.

A total of PHP 182,000 was allocated for nonplacers.

“We know that bringing home medals was not easy. But the mere fact that you represented the region is more than enough, and for that, we are proud of what you have accomplished,” Gasataya said.

Among the 54 medalists was 12-year-old swimmer Sofia Ysabel Secuelan, who won three gold medals in the elementary swimming competition.

Secuelan topped the 100-meter backstroke, 50-meter backstroke, and 4×50-meter relay events.

She received PHP 54,000 in cash incentives for her outstanding performance.

Secuelan and her coach and trainer, Many Mendez Jr., said the support provided by the city government served as motivation for athletes during the competition.

Bacolod City National High School softball team captain Criszhiel Barlita also expressed gratitude for the support after the team captured the gold medal in the secondary girls’ softball tournament.