If Philippines wins its first overall championship: Hong Kong trip awaits SEAG gold medallists

The national athletes who are training and will be competing here in Cebu in the 23rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games got an added motivation to strive for glory after First Gentleman Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo promised them additional incentive if ever the Philippines will win its first overall championship in the biennial sports conclave.

Arroyo, who is also RP's Chief de Mission, promised the athletes of an all-expense paid trip to Hong Kong if the country finishes No.1 overall in the 11-nation athletic meet set from November 27 to December 5. A lavish opening rites will take place in Cebu though on November 25 at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Arroyo, however, said the incentive scheme is not for everybody because it is only good for the gold medallists.

It may sound unfair for the silver and bronze medallists, but, that's where the challenge lies for the RP squad - to get no other medal than the gold.

"Pagbutihan ninyo ha. Promise ko sa inyo, dadalhin ko ang mga gold medallists sa Hong Kong.Pero yan, kung maging overall champion tayo," Arroyo said.

The Freeman learned that the funding for the Hong Kong trip will come from the First Gentleman Foundation, and not for the government.

Earlier, Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (PhilSoc) COO Jose "Peping" Cojuanco said the FG Foundation has allocated around P160 million for the athletes training here and some abroad.

Prior to Arroyo's latest revelation, the RP squad was also told of cash incentives.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman William "Butch" Ramirez said the gold medallists will get P250,000, while the silver and bronze medal winners will get P175,000 and P150,000, respectively.

Arroyo talked and posed for photo op with the RP athletes, but begged off to speak to the audience during the program held at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Social Hall. Instead, he gave the floor to the RP bets to be recognized.

If there's one thing Arroyo said to the Cebuanos in his short visit here, that is to cheer the RP athletes during the competition and to give full support to Team Philippines.

"Please cheer on our athletes, they are competing for our country. Please give your best cheers," Arroyo said during the turn over of the SEA Games flame from Mandaue to Cebu City.

From Cebu City, the SEA Games flame was turned over to Cebu Province and was received by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

The three-day torch relay concluded its Cebu stop yesterday. The torch is expected to arrive in Bacolod late afternoon of the same day.