Senator Sonny Angara has lauded weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz for winning the first gold medal for the Philippines in the Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.
“Tayo po ay nakikiisa sa milyon-milyong Pilipinong nagbubunyi sa pagkapanalo ni Hidilyn. She once again showcased the Filipino fighting spirit. She deserves all the support in recognition of the honor she continues to bring to our country,” said Angara, who is set to file a resolution commending Diaz and the rest of the Filipino medalists in the Asian Games.
Under Republic Act (RA) 10699, which the seasoned legislator sponsored, Diaz is entitled to a P2 million cash incentive from the government.
RA 10699 increased the amount of cash incentives and expanded the benefits given to winning athletes, coaches and trainers.
Before the passage of the law, Asian Games gold medalists only received P1 million.
Prior to Diaz’s feat, the Philippines has won four bronze medals in the Jakarta Asiad.
The law also raised the cash incentives of bronze medalists to from P100,000 to P400,000
Aside from the P2 million incentive under RA 10699, Diaz stands to receive another P2 million from the Philippine Olympic Committee, and additional P1 million each from the Siklab Foundation and Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Lee Hoong.
“Hidilyn was the very first beneficiary of the Athletes Benefits and Incentives Act that we ushered into law. She received P5 million in cash incentive when she won the silver medal in the Summer Olympics in 2016,” the veteran lawmaker said.
“Hidilyn was the very first beneficiary of the Athletes Benefits and Incentives Act that we ushered into law. She received P5 million in cash incentive when she won the silver medal in the Summer Olympics in 2016.”
“Ginugol niya sa pagpapatayo ng isang weightlifting training facility sa kanyang bayan sa Zamboanga ang napanalunan niya noon. Ito ay para matulungan ang mga kababayan niya na nangangarap din maging world-class na atleta tulad niya. Tayo po’y nakatitiyak na muling gagamitin ni Hidilyn ang kanyang napanalunan sa isang napaka-makabuluhang paraan,” the senator added.
The law further provides for scholarship benefits as well as retirement benefits equivalent to 25 percent of all Diaz’s winning throughout her career.
These incentives and benefits shall be over and above the standard national athlete benefits that include free medical and dental consultations; a 20 percent discount on the purchase of medicine, sports equipment, transportation, hotels, restaurants and recreation centers; Philhealth and SSS coverage; priority in housing programs and loans; and, use of living quarters and training centers.
“Hidilyn’s perseverance and triumph will definitely inspire our young Filipino athletes to also excel in international competitions,” said Angara, who also authored the Philippine Amateur Sports Training Center and Philippine High School for Sports bills.
“Hidilyn’s perseverance and triumph will definitely inspire our young Filipino athletes to also excel in international competitions.”
