The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) seat of government is located in Cotabato City. (File photo by BONG SARMIENTO / Inquirer Mindanao)
MANILA, Philippines — A bill filed in the Parliament of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will give athletes who win in international competitions get incentives.
“These athletes have brought pride and honor to the BARMM through their exceptional performances and have become role models for aspiring athletes within the region,” said Member of Parliament Amir Mawallil, author of Bill No, 200 — “Bangsamoro Athletes Recognition and Incentives Act of 2023,”
A crucial goal of the bill, explained Mawallil, is to provide ”tangible support and recognition” to deserving athletes.
“The measure provides various incentives for our athletes such as cash rewards, scholarships or educational grants, training programs and facilities, sports equipment and gear, access to sports science and sports medicine services, as well as support for participation in international competitions,” Mawallil said.
Specifically, the bill will apply to Bangsamoro athletes who have “achieved significant success in international competitions,” and have won “gold, silver, and/or bronze medals in international sports competitions.”
They will receive the following incentives:
- cash rewards from P100,000 to P1,000,000 or more, depending on the significance of the competition and the athlete’s performance
- scholarships or educational grants
- sports equipment and gear
- support for participation in international competitions
Meanwhile, higher rewards will be given to athletes with exceptional performances in prestigious competitions, such as the Olympic Games, Asian Games, Southeast Asian Games, and other recognized international tournaments.
The bill mandates the Bangsamoro Sports Commission (BSC) to manage the funds for the incentives and establish a separate account to be known as the “Exceptional Bangsamoro Athletes Fund.”
The BSC is also authorized to enter into agreements with financial institutions for the efficient management of the fund, including the collection of sponsorships, donations, and other monetary contributions.