Winning Mandaue athletes get cash rewards

CEBU, Philippines — A total of ?1.6 million in cash incentives were awarded to 115 Mandauehanon athletes who brought home victories from the 2025 Palarong Pambansa and the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA).

Of the total awardees, 12 were Palarong Pambansa medalists while 103 clinched honors in the CVIRAA meet. They were recognized during a ceremony held last Wednesday, August 20, at the Mandaue City Hall.

Both athletes and their coaches received cash incentives based on the highest award they attained in their respective sporting events, according to the Mandaue City Sports Office (MCSO).

Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano led the distribution of the incentives, joined by Councilors Fritz Villamor, Eugene Andaya, Ben Basiga, Carlo Fortuna, and Ting Sol Cabahug, as well as MCSO officer-in-charge and olympian Mary Joy Tabal-Jimenez.

Also present at the ceremony were Department of Education (DepEd) Mandaue City Division officials, including Dr. Adeline Luarez, chief education supervisor of the School Governance and Operations Division; Dr. Fe Magale, Education Program Supervisor; and Dr. Jury Yosores, Area VI Boy Scouts of the Philippines coordinator.

Awardees of the Palarong Pambansa received ?15,000 each for gold medalists and their coaches, ?10,000 for silver medalists, and ?7,000 for bronze medalists.

Meanwhile, CVIRAA gold medalists were granted ?10,000, silver medalists ?7,000, and bronze medalists ?5,000.

In his message, Ouano praised the athletes for their dedication and discipline, recognizing also the sacrifices of their parents.

“Ang kining inyong gibuhat kahibawo ko nga dili g’yud sayon, it takes determination, discipline, and hard work,” he said.

“Ato usab pasigarbohan ang atong ginikanan for the guidance and support for making it possible ninyo,” he added.

In a statement released by the Mandaue Public Affairs Office, Ouano emphasized that the program underscores his administration’s commitment to support young athletes and promote sports excellence in the city. — (FREEMAN)