LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Congressman Eric Go Yap took swift action upon learning of the challenges faced by Benguet athletes participating in the Batang Pinoy National Games and the Philippine National Games (PNG) in Pasig City.
Recognizing the financial strain hindering their journey, Yap orchestrated a comprehensive support initiative to ensure the athletes could compete at their best.
“When I heard of the problems about sending our athletes, hindi tayo pwede mag-turuan, na trabaho dapat ni ganito, or dapat iba yung may responsibility dito. Kapag may kailangan ng tulong, we don’t say yes or no, we should say how and what can I do. These athletes, their parents and coaches are sacrificing, hindi lang para sa pangarap nila, but also para sa probinsya,” Yap said.
Yap, emphasizing a proactive approach, organized transportation, providing a coaster and renting 11 vehicles amidst a transport strike, guaranteeing the delegates’ smooth travel to and from Pasig.
Additionally, he arranged for extra meals and energy drinks to sustain the competitors during the events.
“Kaya binisita natin sila, makita anong sitwasyon nila, kinausap natin yung parents and coaches na nandun, and in our own little ways, tumutulong tayo. Transportation needs, food at magprovide din tayo ng incentives para may dagdag motivation yung mga bata,” Yap affirmed.
(Understanding their situation, we stepped in to assist. Whether it’s transportation or meals, we’re doing what we can to support these athletes, their parents, and coaches.)
Acknowledging the long-standing financial struggles faced by athletes and coaches alike, Yap stressed the importance of collective efforts in assisting aspiring sports stars.
“The financial aspect of it has been a perennial problem, I spoke with some of the coaches na they themselves were former athletes, talagang mahirap. Hindi na siya bagong problema. Fortunately, ginagawan ng paraan ng local government units natin despite lack of funds. So it should be a collective effort. There’s only so much we can do kaya dapat tulong tulong,” Yap said.
The congressman pledged substantial incentives for winners, aiming to motivate and acknowledge their hard work – P5,000 for gold medalists, P2,000 for silver, and P1,000 for bronze.
However, Yap also appealed to event organizers, urging reconsideration of the scheduling to alleviate the financial burden on local government units.
He highlighted the strain on LGU funds, emphasizing the need for better preparation and budgeting for such events.
“We are also appealing to the PSC, the organizers of this event. Huwag naman sana end of the year nag-oorganize ng ganitong big events. They know for a fact kung gaano kahirap ang pondo ng mga LGUs, at depleted na talaga yan lalo pag patapos na ang taon. And our LGUs are not rich LGUs, unlike big cities and provinces. So kailangan talaga may preparation and proper budgeting para dito,” Yap stated.
“And I heard they (PSC) will give each delegate 600 pesos transportation allowance; I don’t think that is enough for a week-long event. Yung playing venues, sobrang layo sa mga billeting areas. They should make it more systematic and cost-efficient next time,” Yap added.
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