Alas Pilipinas draws incentives from government

MANILA, Philippines — Alas Pilipinas got a boost from Sen. Bong Go and the Philippine Sports Commission with the team members given an incentive of P200,000 each for a breakthrough bronze-medal effort in the AVC Challenge Cup early this month.

“Itong financial support from PSC ay para makatulong sa kanila. Pero ang importante dito ay ang drive to win. At stake dito ang ating flag, ang ating bayan. Lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila na give your best,” said Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, after personally handing the checks to the national team Wednesday night at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Go also gave the team members shoes and watches on top of the incentive that could well be an added fire and inspiration to the team ahead of their campaign in the FIVB Challenger’s Cup slated July 4 to 7 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

All Alas Pilipinas members except Sisi Rondina attended the simple ceremony also graced by PSC commissioner Bong Coo.

“We appreciate all the help and assistance we’re getting,” said Alas skipper Jia Morado.

Angel Canino, Julia Coronel, Arrah Panique, Thea Gagate, Vanessa Gandler, Eya Laure, Dawn Catindig, Jen Nierva, Faith Nisperos, Cherry Nunag, Dell Palomata, and Fifi Sharma were present along with Alas coach Jorge Edson de Brito and his staff Jumbo Dimaculangan, Eduardo Ortega, Grace Gomez, Joyce Palad, Justin Santos, Norman Montalvo, Hollie Reyes, and Angel Bautista.

The incentive to the volley belles came right after Go doled out P500,000 each to Philippine bets that made the grade for the coming Paris Olympics.