MAKE UP YOUR MIND, PSC
As Cebu Province starts making plans about how to distribute the supposed cash prize from the PNG, the PSC drops another bomb—it’s not final yet
The Milo Little Olympics national finals releases its final medal tally right after the last event is played. The Palarong Pambansa releases its final medal tally even before the final event is played. The Philippine National Games, on the other hand, needed 10 days before coming up with the final medal tally.
And the team that stands to lose a lot should the tally once more be shaken, is Cebu Province, which is hanging on by the skin of their teeth in fifth place.
The athletes of Cebu Province have been informed that they finished fourth overall after the games in the partial, unofficial tally. About one week after, the PSC informed them that they were kicked out of fourth but managed to cling to the Top 5 of the overall ranking in the official tally. Their hard work paved the way for Cebu Province to get a much-needed cash prize that could boost the province’s sports program. Only the Top 5 teams gets cash prizes.
But the athletes face the possibility of getting nothing as the PSC is set to release another final tally today.
“Nasulod na sa huna-huna sa mga bata nga nakasulod sila sa
Top 5. Lisud kaayo kung ingnon
sila nga nataktak diay ta,” said a delegation member of the Cebu Province, who asked not to be named.
Cebu Province Sports Commission, however, is optimistic about keeping its fifth place finish.
“I hope we can maintain the ranking. Im sure there’s a good reason for the delay,” Cebu Provincial Sports Commission executive director Atty. Ramil Abing told Sun.Star Cebu.
In last week’s tally, Cebu Province was in fifth place with 19 gold medals, 20 silvers, and 30 bronze medals. It is tied with Davao with the same number of gold medals but Davao dislodged Cebu Province from fourth after having more silver medals than Cebu Province.
Cebu City is at the top with 48 golds, 70 silvers, and 79 bronzes. Baguio City is second with 38 golds, 37 silvers and 59 bronzes; Mandaluyong City is third with 27 gold medals, 18 silver medals and 31 bronze medals; while Davao City is fourth with 19 golds, 30 silvers and 43 bronzes.
If Cebu Province stays at fifth, it will receive a cash prize of P2 million.
The Province already planned on giving part of the cash prize to the athletes as incentives. The rest will be used to build facilities and buy equipment.
“Part of that will be for cash incentives to the athletes. Then the rest, I will suggest to the commission, is to be used as augmentation fund for sports equipment and facilities in our multi-purpose gym which is now scheduled for public bidding,” he said.
Cebu Province’s multi-purpose gym is going to be built in Sudlon, Lahug. It will have two basketball courts, a stage, bleachers and a fitness and weightlifting gym.
“It’s still in the bidding stage. Hopefully we can start the construction in August or September,” said Abing.
Abing also said that Cebu Province has already received sports equipment from the PSC, which is a huge help.
On the other hand, the Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) will meet tomorrow to discuss their athletes’ cash incentives.
Cebu City bagged the top prize and will receive a cash prize of P10 million. /