Ranking Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) officials braved the ugly weather just to bring joy to national athletes and coaches staying at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
No less than PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio and commissioner Edward Hayco dropped by the government-owned facility to distribute packed meals while swapping stories with wushu, baseball, softball, wrestling and hockey athletes during the height of typhoons “Emong” and “Dante” last Wednesday.
With Gregorio and Hayco as audience, the athletes shared their dreams of seeking glory for the country in the international arena. They also expressed their aspiration to seek higher education, strengthening the PSC’s commitment to pursue ongoing initiatives to plot academic sponsorships for the athletes through the Philippine Sports Institute.
“We distributed food for the athletes who can’t leave the complex due to flooding,” said Gregorio after checking on the athletes to make sure that their adequate needs are met amid the inclement weather.
Gregorio said the PSC will not get tired of listening to the national athletes.
“As long as they share their stories, the PSC is here to listen,” Gregorio said.
“Then, we will find ways to help make their dreams come true. Here’s to not just celebrating wins but creating winning moments for our athletes,” he added.
Prior to the visit, PSC acting executive director Atty. Guillermo Iroy issued an advisory to all the national sports associations (NSAs) that states the formal increase of athletes’ allowances next month.
At the same time, Iroy said national team members are no longer required to sign and submit a daily time record together with a comprehensive activity report.
“In place of these documents, the NSAs are now required to submit the newly adopted monthly training attendance certification,” Iroy said.
“This certification must be duly signed by the NSA president or secretary-general and notarized and shall serve as the official basis for qualified members of the national training pool to receive their allowance for the particular month,” he added.
The move “aims to enhance efficiency, streamline administrative requirements, while maintaining accountability in the disbursement of government support.”
The athletes welcome the development.
“It’s a blessing considering the rising cost of living,” said Henry Lopez, a member of the Philippine Para chess team.