Hidilyn Diaz to get P2M, scholarship under athletes benefits law — Angara

Senator Sonny Angara on Wednesday said Hidilyn Diaz will receive a P2-million incentive and other benefits under the athletes benefits law, as he lauded the weightlifter for winning the Philippines’ first gold medal in the 2018 Asian Games.

“Tayo po ay nakikiisa sa milyon-milyong Pilipinong nagbubunyi sa pagkapanalo ni Hidilyn. She once again showcased the Filipino fighting spirit. She deserves all the support in recognition of the honor she continues to bring to our country,” said Angara, who is set to file a resolution commending Diaz and the rest of the Filipino medalists in the Asian Games.

Diaz won the country’s first gold medal in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia on Tuesday after she defeated other competitors in the women’s weightlifting 53-kg event.

READ: Hidilyn Diaz wins Philippines’ first gold medal in 2018 Asian Games

In a statement, Angara also noted that under Republic Act 10699 or the “National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act,” Diaz is entitled to a P2-million cash incentive from the government.

RA 10699 increased the number of cash incentives and expanded the benefits given to winning athletes, coaches, and trainers. Prior to such law, Asian Games gold medalists only received P1 million.

The law likewise raised the cash incentives of bronze medalists to P400,000 from P100,000.

Hidilyn Diaz of Philippines celebrate at the podium during the victory ceremony for the women’s 53kg weightlifting event during the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta on August 21, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / MONEY SHARMA

Aside from the P2-million incentive under the law, Diaz stands to receive P2 million from the Philippine Olympic Committee, and P1 million each from the Siklab Foundation and the Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Lee Hoong.

“Hidilyn was the very first beneficiary of the Athletes Benefits and Incentives Act that we ushered into law. She received P5 million in cash incentive when she won the silver medal in the Summer Olympics in 2016,” Angara noted.

“Ginugol niya sa pagpapatayo ng isang weightlifting training facility sa kanyang bayan sa Zamboanga ang napanalunan niya noon. Ito ay para matulungan ang mga kababayan niya na nangangarap din maging world-class na atleta tulad niya. Tayo po’y nakatitiyak na muling gagamitin ni Hidilyn ang kanyang napanalunan sa isang napaka-makabuluhang paraan,” the senator added.

The law further provides for scholarship benefits as well as retirement benefits equivalent to 25 percent of all Diaz’s winning throughout her career.

These incentives and benefits are on top of the standard national athlete benefits that include free medical and dental consultation; 20 percent discount on purchase of medicine, sports equipment, transportation, hotels, restaurants and recreation centers; Philhealth and SSS coverage; priority in housing programs and loans; and, use of living quarters and training centers.   /vvp