Filipino gold medalists in the recently concluded Asian Games in Indonesia did not only return home with a gold medal, they also returned with a cash prize of Php8 million.
The news came after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the government to give an additional Php1 million as incentive to the gold medalists for bringing pride to the country.
The gold medalists will receive the following prizes and incentives:
– Php2 million from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC);
– Php2 million from the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC);
– Php2 million from the Office of the President;
– Php1 million from Siklab Foundation of Sec. Dennis Uy;
– Php1 million from the Philippine Embassy in Indonesia
Silver medalists also received an additional Php500,000 from Duterte.
The medalists received the cash prize in the Palace on Wednesday, September 12, where Duterte expressed how proud he is of the athletes.
“The entire country looks forward to your next win as you secure your place in your respective fields and wave our flag high and proud for the world to see…. Mabuhay ang atletang Pilipino,” Duterte said.
Present to receive the cash incentives were gold medalists Hidilyn Diaz (weightlifting), Margielyn Didal (skateboarding), Yuka Saso (golf), silver medalist Rogen Ladon (boxing), and bronze medalist Agatha Wong (wushu).
Mr. President learns how to dab
Duterte also learned how to dab, thanks to Didal who is known for her outgoing and playful personality.
After doing a “mano” before Duterte, Didal asked the president to do the “dab” to which he playfully complied.
President Duterte also seemed interested in Didal’s faded haircut.
