LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines - – Albay has launched a donation drive to boost the morale of Philippine lone contestant Michael Christian Martinez to the Sochi Winter Olympics.
Reports said the Martinez family had mortgaged its home to send the 17-year-old to Sochi, Russia as the first Filipino Winter Olympian contestant in 22 years.
Albay Gov. Joey Salceda who donated his monthly salary said the drive “Piso Para Ki Michael†already reached P61,000 as of 3 p.m. Friday.
“Although we stopped at 12 p.m. Friday, the campaign continues to gain ground and traction,†said Salceda.
Salceda has asked the support of the different departments of the provincial government, the local government units, ABC federations, interested organizations, friends, Rotary Club of Legazpi and other associations who want to help.
“Whether or not he got support from government, whether the mother is exaggerating or whether the support was enough or largely insufficient are issues that should give way to waving the flag and circling our wagons to ensure his victory,†said Salceda.
“We all have seen his videos, that convinced us to do this modest movement. It is not the money but the act of will of physically articulating our inner desire that really matters.â€
“That will give him the aura of a winner during the competitions, knowing fully well that an entire nation is solidly behind him in thought and even in muscle memory,†said Salceda. “Let’s pray that he enters the finals.â€