Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, in behalf of Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr., and Iloilo Sports Development and Management Office (ISDMO) chief Dr. Janelyn Fundal distributed checks to 83 athletes who are recipients of educational assistance and 23 athletes who won medals in the Batang Pinoy national sports competition held recently.

The recipients of educational assistance received an initial Php 14,000 each with the remaining Php 10,000 to be released within the year.

Under Provincial Ordinance 2019-199 or the Iloilo Provincial Government's sports educational assistance program for outstanding athletes, recipients are entitled to avail a total of Php 24,000 per year.

The amount comprises Php 2,000 monthly allowance for 10 months, uniform allowance of PHP 2,000 and school supplies allowance of PHP 2,000.

Dr. Fundal said the sports educational assistance program is open to all Ilonggo athletes who are medalists.

Meanwhile, Provincial Ordinance 2000-217 provides for cash incentives to athletes who obtained medals in regional, national or international competitions.

Coaches, assistant coaches, trainers, and official chaperons are also given separate cash incentives under the said ordinance.

Banias congratulated the athletes and at the same time he reminded them to also focus on their studies as “your medals cannot land you a job in the future”.
He stressed that Governor Defensor gives priority to sports and education programs.

He added that Gov. Defensor allotted substantial amount to fund sports programs such as the establishment of football fields in major schools, the school varsity program and the athletes scholarship program.

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