City SEAG medalists to get cash incentives

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government will give cash incentives to the city athletes who made waves at the ongoing 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Luzon.

This was confirmed by Mayor Edgardo Labella yesterday.

"Kadako ani nga dungog nga ilang gihatag (This is a huge honor they are giving us)," he said.

The giving of the cash incentives, he said, is in accordance to a city ordinance, which states that those who give honor to the city through athletics and other fields should be given an award or incentive by way of cash.

Labella is yet to announce the amount of the cash incentives.

The mayor shared that he was able to speak with and congratulated dancesporter Wilbert Aunzo on Sunday night. Aunzo handed three gold medals for Team Philippines with his partner Pearl Marie Cañeda.

Aunzo and Cañeda won gold medals for all Latin dances, including Chachacha, Samba, and Rhumba.

"We are very proud as Cebuanos nga ang atong mga dancesport contestants swept the dancesport competition (As Cebuanos, we are very proud that our dancesport contestants swept the dancesport competition)," Labella said.

Labella said it is also important to give credit to Cebu City Sports Commission Chairman Edward Hayco for training and helping the dancesporters succeed.

Another city athlete, Dexler Bolambao, gave the country its first gold in arnis after posting a commanding 3-0 win against Myanmar’s Paing Soe.

Labella said that if his schedule permits, he will be going to Luzon to support the Cebuano athletes.

"Akong gihuna-huna because there are still other games, other events... if only my time permits og di lang hectic kaayo akong schedule, maybe I will fly there maski usa ka adlaw to also give my moral support (I’m thinking to fly to Luzon even just for a day to give them my moral support if my schedule allows)," Labella said. (FREEMAN)