Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio has assured Filipino athletes competing in the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 and the 5th Asian Para Games that additional incentives could be awarded for strong performances in Japan.
Aside from a ₱6,000 additional allowance for members of the Philippine delegation, Gregorio said the PSC is willing to provide further rewards if the country surpasses its gold-medal totals from the previous editions of the continental events.
The Philippines won four gold medals at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, while Filipino para athletes collected 10 gold medals at the corresponding Asian Para Games.
Speaking during the delegation’s send-off ceremony at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila on Thursday, September 10, Gregorio said he would personally seek the approval of the PSC commissioners for additional incentives.
“Ako mismo ang makikiusap sa mga PSC commissioners, additional reward to the entire delegation,” Gregorio said.
He also encouraged the athletes to go beyond the country’s previous medal performances.
“Let us all beat the four gold medals (in the Asian Games). Let us win 10 more gold medals (in Asian Para Games). Let us achieve more and when you come back, you’ll have a very good Christmas,” he added.
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino also called on the athletes to give their best once they compete in Japan.
“Hindi ko kayo pine-pressure, pero itodo nyo na ang galing nyo. Ibigay nyo na lahat ng makakaya nyo,” Tolentino said.
Philippine Paralympic Committee President Michael “Mike” Barredo, meanwhile, urged members of the para delegation to continue fighting until they have given everything they can.
“Do not stop until you can give it all. This is to make our countrymen proud of you and make the Filipino people inspired,” Barredo said.
During the ceremony, Tolentino also named weightlifter Albert Ian Delos Santos and boxer Aira Villegas as the Philippines’ male and female flag-bearers for the opening ceremony on September 19 at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya.
Delos Santos, a 19-year-old weightlifter from Zamboanga City, owns a junior world record in the men’s 71-kilogram division, which he set at the IWF World Junior Championships in Egypt.
Villegas, a native of Leyte, will serve as the female flag-bearer after winning a bronze medal for the Philippines in boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.