For the first time in the history of the Palarong Pambansa, the private sector is pitching in to give financial rewards, including offers of scholarships to athletes who will excel in the annual national sporting event.
Education Sec. Br. Armin Luistro welcomes this development as another proof of the private sector’s growing involvement in the holistic molding of our youth.
“This is another facet of public- private partnership wherein we don’t just build classrooms for them, we also help build their character thru sports development,” Luistro said.
The financial reward will be given on top of the usual medal and trophy awarded to winning athletes.
Donors from the private sector include Nestle Phils.—Milo, Smart, Ever Bilena Cosmetics, Philippine Airlines, Aboitiz Foundation, Ang-Hortaleza Foundation, Johnson & Johnson Philippines, San Miguel Foundation, and Ayala Foundation.
To date, DepEd has received pledges in cash and in kind from the private sector amounting to over P2 million to be given as incentive to top performing athletes. There are also offers of scholarship for athletes who will stand out in selected games during the Palaro.
The 2013 Palarong Pambansa will be held at the Gov. Mariano Perdices Sports Complex in Dumaguete City from April 21 to 27. It will be participated in by over 10,000 elementary and secondary school students from public and private schools nationwide.
Luistro explained that giving incentives to our athletes will encourage them to push extra hard to achieve their goals. “Reward comes to those who work for it.” (PNA)
