PSC partners with Phoenix in search for Philippines' 1st Olympic gold medal

PHILIPPINE Sports Commission Chairman William I. Ramirez and Phoenix Petroleum Services, Inc. President and CEO Dennis Uy, signed a Php2-million worth of sponsorship in support to three-time Olympian and 2016 Summer Olympic Games silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz's gold medal dream come 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

"I am very happy. I saw a very classical example of partnership between a government and private sector. We saw the initiative of Senator Bong Go, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Mr. Dennis Uy, to support Hidilyn Diaz bound

for Olympics. This will inspire our Filipino athletes that if they perform a private sector and government will help." said Ramirez in a statement during the ceremonial signing on Thursday afternoon at the Guest House of Malacañang Palace.

Ramirez also believes that the additional financial assistance from Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, will also help the agency in terms of their financial responsibility to National Athletes, "Instead of funding these athletes, it reduces some of our financial responsibility because a private sector is coming in." added Ramirez.

Meanwhile, Uy, who is also the Presidential Adviser for Sports is happy to be supporting Diaz, "Kami naman ay laging sumusuporta sa atletang Pilipino in our quest for our 1st Olympic gold. Me, personally wants to support all our athletes capable of bringing 1st Olympic gold. I wish Hidilyn good luck in all her competitions all the way to the Olympics." said Uy.

The Php2-million worth of sponsorship from Phoenix covers the training, housing allowance, food, strength and conditioning, local transportation, training uniform, equipment, competition uniform, overseas training allowance and contingency fund for Diaz all the way to Tokyo 2020.

"Masaya and grateful ako sa binigay nilang support for me and the preparations towards Tokyo 2020." said the 28 year-old Diaz who is hoping to end the gold medal drought of the Philippines next year as she eyes for her 4th straight appearance in Olympiad.

Diaz also hopes that this partnership will eventually open doors for other private sectors to also extend additional support to her fellow National Athletes, "Hopefully hindi lang ako yung susuportahan ng Phoenix. Gaya nga ng sabi ni Sen. Bong Go, ito yung simula." added Diaz.

The P2M will be an additional financial support for Diaz's Php48,000 monthly allowance from the PSC, aside from the Php4.5-million training support fund the agency has given for her training this year.

Also present during the MOA signing were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Committee on Sports Chairman and Senator Bong Go, Phoenix Vice President Attorney Raymond Zorilla, PSC Commissioners Ramon Fernandez, Charles Maxey and Celia Kiram.