PH SEA Games medalists to receive cash incentives

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 2) — The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) will be distributing a total of ₱12.40 million in cash incentives to the 260 athletes who bagged medals at the recently concluded 32nd Southeast Asian Games held in Cambodia.

Of the 260 athletes who reached the podium, 58 took home gold medals, 85 won silver and 117 got bronze.

POC president Rep. Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino said ₱7.2 million from the total bonus will be donated by the Manuel V. Pangilinan Sports Foundation (MVPSF) and ₱5.2 million will be from the commission's funds.

"The athletes, particularly the medalists, deserve the reward and the POC will always be diligent on that," he said.

Tolentino previously initiated a trust fund for incentives to athletes winning medals in international competitions.

Under the POC's incentive program, ₱100,000 will go to an individual gold medalist, ₱50,000 to doubles and relay teams and ₱30,000 to team; ₱50,000 to silver medalist, ₱30,000 for doubles and ₱20,000 for relay; and ₱30,000 to individual bronze medalist and ₱10,000 for doubles and relay.

The POC bonuses are separate from government incentives given to medalists via the Philippine Sports Commission under Republic Act 10699 or National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.

Under the government incentives act, gold in the SEA Games is worth ₱300,000, silver ₱150,000 and bronze ₱60,000.

Gymnast ace Carlos Yulo is set to get the biggest cash bonus for winning two gold and two silver medals in men's gymnastics.

Meanwhile, Jasmine Alkhaldi bagged the most medals in her swimming categories with six — three silver and three bronze.