LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Rep. Eric Go Yap and Provincial Sports Coordinator Dean Mark Monang personally distributed incentives to around 60 athletes and coaches who achieved medal-winning performances and represented the province with pride in the Batang Pinoy and Philippine National Games that were simultaneously held in Manila late last year.
The athletes were given a total of P147, 000 directly from Congressman Yap’s personal funds at a fast-food chain in the capital town Tuesday afternoon. He stated that this incentive was his method of recognizing their contributions as delegates from the province in the national games.
“It is our hope that we can provide support for our athletes in their endeavor-not just in terms of financial assistance, but also in terms of the moral support that we will offer. This represents a significant undertaking on our part,” Yap stressed.
Each of the gold medalists in the said competitions received P5,000 each as incentive from the lawmaker, the silver medalists also got P2,000 each while the bronze medalists were given P1,000 each. Coaches were also given P2,000 each as their incentive.
Rep. Yap highlighted the challenging financial situation that athletes are facing but emphasized that no one should be held accountable for the funding shortage, including the mayors or governor. He attributed the financial difficulties to the constrained sports budget of the province and underscored the disparity in sports funding between the province and Baguio City. Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism that with the collaborative efforts of municipal and provincial leaders, athletes can receive the necessary support for training and equipment.
Kickboxing coach and gold medalist, Karn Jariya M. Amado, conveyed profound appreciation for the tremendous support received during their involvement in the Batang Pinoy and Philippine National Games competitions last year. Amado specifically recognized the substantial influence of the individuals who supported them throughout their rigorous training period. Gold medalist Mark Gruner Gama, who achieved victory in wrestling at the 2023 Philippine National Games, has also taken the opportunity to encourage his fellow athletes to continue excelling and to fuel their aspirations with passion, dedication, and determination, emphasizing the potential to evolve into world-class athletes in the future.
Gama’s impassioned message serves as a source of inspiration for athletes, highlighting the essential role of unwavering commitment and perseverance in reaching the highest echelons of their respective sports. His advice has sparked a renewed sense of purpose among athletes, galvanizing them to pursue their goals with resilience and unwavering dedication.
In a recent statement, Yap shared encouraging updates on the progress of the Benguet Sports Complex. It was announced that the complex is nearing full completion, with new features including a wooden floor, seating upgrades, and ongoing repairs to essential facilities. Furthermore, plans for the construction of an aquatic center are also underway. Congressman Yap emphasized the positive impact of these developments, highlighting their role in enhancing Benguet’s sports tourism program. He stressed that improved facilities would contribute to greater exposure for the province and provide the best training environment for athletes. By Joy Anne M. Palaoag
