PSC chair: We are spending more on country’s athletes

By Armando Fenequito Jr.

DAVAO CITY – In response to a former athlete’s critical tweet, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William Ramirez asserts that the government is spending adequate funds for the nation’s athletes.

Ramirez said in an interview that the government has already provided over P1 billion for the international exposure and training of the athletes, and P200 million for equipment and sports facilities.

“The PSC is targeting SEAG Games up to Olympics and we already spent more than P1 billion for the athletes,” he said.

He added that the meal allowance of each athlete was also increased to P25,000 from P5,000.

Ramirez was responding to former Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) karatedo gold medalist Gretchen Malalad who criticized the government for allotting P50 million for a cauldron to be used at the Games.

In her post on Twitter, Malalad said: “‘Walang budget! Walang budget! Hindi na approve.’ Yan lagi naririnig ng mga atleta kapag nagrequest ng funds for training at exposure abroad. Pero may budget ang gobyerno para sa 50M na kaldero.” (‘No budget! It wasn’t approved!’ That’s always what athletes hear when they request for funds for training and exposure abroad. But the government has the budget for a cauldron worth P50 million.)

Ramirez opted not to comment on the issue of the cauldron, saying the structure is under the jurisdiction of the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee.

Source: Manila Bulletin