Cash incentive for international athletes from city pushed

CEBU, Philippines - The head of the City Council's committee on youth and sports development wants the city to give cash incentive to Cebu City athletes and coaches who earn medals in international sporting events.

In a proposed ordinance, Councilor Jerry Guardo said the incentive should be given to Cebu City athletes who earn medals in the Southeast Asian Games, ASEAN Games, and the Olympics.

He said the cash incentive would be a way to inspire other athletes and motivate the medalists further.

His proposed ordinance is named, "Providing Financial Incentives to Athletes and Coaches who Achieved High Honors in the Olympic Games, Sea Games, and Asean Games."

The proposal is anchored on Article XIV, Section 19 of the 1987 Constitution, which states, "the State shall promote physical education and encourage sports program, league competitions, and amateur sports, including training for international competitions, to foster self- discipline, teamwork, and excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry."

If his proposal becomes an ordinance, the city will give an Olympic gold medalist P1 million (gold); P500,000 (silver); and P300,000 (bronze).

Those who will excel in the ASEAN Games will get P300,000 (gold); P200,000 (silver); and P100,000 (bronze).

SEA Games medalists will get P150,000 (gold); P100,000 (silver); and P50,000 (bronze).

However, the amount corresponding each medal will have to be divided among members of a team sport.

Coaches will get the corresponding 30 percent of the incentive given to the athletes but the amount also will have to be divided among coaches if there is more than one.

To avail of the incentive, the athlete would need to present a certification of the official result of the games, certification of official representation to be issued by the Office of the Mayor, and recommendation from the chairman of the city's sports commission.

For Olympians, the requirements include a certificate of recognition from the International Olympic Committee, Philippine Olympic Commission, and Philippine Sports Commission.

The athlete must be a Filipino Citizen, a resident of Cebu City and a law abiding citizen.

The Council's committees on laws and budget and finance are now studying the proposal. (FREEMAN)