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The PSC has earmarked P10-M for medalists of the Palarong Pambansa. Handout/PSC
MANILA -- The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has earmarked P10 million in cash incentives for medal winners of the 2026 Palarong Pambansa -- a first in the history of the multisport showcase.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the initiative on Sunday, during the opening ceremony of the event in Agusan del Sur.
"Masaya akong ibalita sa inyo na sa unang pagkakataon, maglalaan ang Philippine Sports Commission ng mga incentives para sa mga medalists ng regular sports at para games bilang pagkilala sa inyong husay," Marcos said in a video message.
"Alam ko na gagawin ninyo ang inyong makakaya. Marami kayong matututunan sa Palarong ito na madadala ninyo kahit saan man kayo magpunta. Dito ninyo matututunan ang tiyaga, respeto, disiplina at malasakit sa kapwa."
READ: Agusan del Sur turns 33-year 'dream' into reality with Palarong Pambansa 2026
Under the program, gold medalists will receive P5,000, silver medalists P3,000, and bronze medalists P2,000.
"Maliit na halaga lang po ito sa dami ng lalahok at mananalo sa Palarong Pambansa. This is just a sincere gesture from our government na mula po sa puso," said PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio.
"These incentives will likewise help motivate our young student-athletes to strive harder and to train more diligently. Tulong upang maabot ang kanilang pangarap," he added.
"Ngayon pa lang saludo kami sa inyo. You are the next generation of Filipino athletes who will bring great honor and glory to our country," said Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
The 66th edition of the Palarong Pambansa, the country’s premier showcase of student-athlete talent, officially opened Sunday at the Patin-ay Sports Complex in Prosperidad.
More than 13,000 student-athletes are set to compete across 35 sports until May 31, including four para sports (athletics, bocce, goalball, swimming), three demonstration sports (karatedo, kickboxing, soft tennis), and four exhibition sports (arnis, muay thai, sitting volleyball, table tennis).
"Malapit sa puso ng ating Presidente ang sports. Malaking budget ang nailaan this year sa Palaro, mula sa pagbuo ng school sports at katulong ang PSC sa pag-aayos ng sports facilities. Lahat po iyan ay utos ng ating mahal na Pangulo," said Angara.