Paddlers get P1.4M bonus from House

MANILA, Philippines - The 20-member Philippine Dragon Boat Federation team (PDBF) that won five gold and two silver medals in the 10th annual World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Florida will receive P1.4 million cash reward from members of the House of Representatives, a senior lawmaker said yesterday.

The Dragon Warriors arrive early today at the NAIA Terminal 2 to a heroes welcome prepared by their family and friends and the team’s chief backers Philippine Airlines and Cobra Energy Drink of Asia Brewery, Inc. (ABI).

The team will then proceed to Century Park Hotel in Manila where they will be welcomed by ABI and PAL executives, led by Michael Tan, ABI chief operating officer, Vivienne Tan, PAL executive vice president, who will represent their father Lucio Tan, Jaime Bautista, PAL president, and Hubert Tan, ABI marketing vice president.

“Their victory re-affirms our belief in the compatibility of our product, Cobra energy drink, with the superior rowing power of the team,” said Michael Tan.

“Our decision to fly them to the US came with the dearth of support for them,” said Vivienne Tan. “We just did what our father taught us early on – to help those in most need.”

The team is also expected to pay a courtesy call on President Aquino in Malacañang at 1 p.m.

In a privilege speech on Monday night, Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano made a motion urging fellow lawmakers to contribute P5,000 each for the members of the PDBF’s training and development.

The motion, which was also endorsed by Manila Rep. Amado Bagatsing was unanimously approved by the 285-member chamber.

The P5,000 cash grant to the team will be deducted from the lawmakers’ monthly salaries.

Albano said in the midst of celebrating the PDBF team’s victory, many Filipinos were saddened after realizing the numerous hardships of its members.

Meanwhile, six of the team members will be honored by provincial and municipal governments of Bacolod next week.

Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Maranon Jr. and E.B. Magalona Mayor David Albert Lacson said they are preparing a “warm welcome” for the six members who hail from the E.B. Magalona town – cousins Salvador Sumagaysay, Joemar Ocquiana, Rico Pradilla, Crisanto Pabulayan, Junrey Dayumat and Ma. Aileen Padrones, who are all fishermen, and residents of Brgy. Latasan E. B. Magalona.

Maranon said the provincial government will shoulder the airplane fare of the six paddlers and will give them P5,000 each as cash incentives, and plaque of appreciation, while Lacson said they will also give P5,000 each and will host a luncheon party for them and their families.

“We will honor our very own paddlers, our heroes so their stories and hardships will serve as inspirations to our young Saraviahanons (popular name for residents of E. B. Magalona) that there’s nothing impossible if you set your mind to it,” Lacson said.

Albano said the very cause of the hardships of the PDBF team is the absence of support and recognition from the Philippine government.

– With reports from Danny Dangcalan and Rudy Santos