The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is hoping the country’s medal winners in the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan will have even more reason to celebrate.

PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said the agency is optimistic that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. could approve additional incentives for Filipino athletes should they deliver in the continental meet.

Under Republic Act No. 10699, an Asian Games gold medalist is entitled to P2 million, while silver and bronze medalists receive P1 million and P400,000, respectively.

But Gregorio said the President has the discretion to increase those rewards, similar to what was done for Filipino athletes in the Southeast Asian Games.

“You know, there are huge prizes and incentives for those who win medals in the Asian Games. The objective is to surpass the four gold medals that we won in Jakarta in 2018 and China in 2023,” Gregorio said.

“We are requesting it. It is the discretion of the President just like what he did in the Southeast Asian Games. Whatever incentives the PSC gave back then, he doubled it.”

“That is really a great way to support our athletes.”

The Philippines will send some of its biggest sporting stars to Japan as it looks to surpass its four-gold-medal haul in the previous two editions.

Brothers Carlos and Eldrew Yulo are expected to spearhead the country’s gymnastics campaign, while pole vault star Ernest John Obiena will be eyeing a second straight Asian Games gold medal — and possibly a new record beyond his 5.90-meter mark in Hangzhou.

Olympic medalists Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and Aira Villegas are also among the country’s leading medal hopes after falling short of the podium’s top step in the previous Asian Games.

Jiu-jitsu standout Annie Ramirez will likewise be seeking a second consecutive gold medal.

Tennis sensation Alex Eala could also emerge as one of the Philippines’ biggest attractions in Nagoya should she push through with her Asian Games campaign.

Gregorio said the PSC, together with the Office of the President, is continuing to provide financial support to ensure the national athletes arrive in Japan fully prepared.

“As a matter of fact, this morning, we signed the financial assistance for the Philippine Olympic Committee to fund the trip of all our athletes participating in the Asian Games, including the coaches and technical delegates. That is the help of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Office of the President to support the athletes participating in the Asian Games,” Gregorio said.

With the financial backing secured and a star-studded delegation preparing for the continental showdown, Gregorio believes the Philippines has a legitimate chance to raise the bar once again.

“This is an opportunity for us to win more than four gold medals.”