Negros Occidental — Student-athletes from Negros Occidental who achieved medal finishes at the 2024 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet were awarded a total of PHP1.5 million in cash incentives by the provincial government. The ceremony took place at the Capitol Social Hall, where Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson praised the young competitors for their performance.
According to Philippines News Agency, the cash incentives are intended as a token of appreciation for the athletes' dedication and effort. "The incentives you are receiving today are a symbol of appreciation, not the reason for or the end goal of why you compete. Beyond monetary rewards, sports competitions offer a platform to showcase your skills," he stated. A gold medal earned the recipient PHP1,500, a silver PHP1,000, and a bronze PHP700.
Negros Occidental finished as the first runner-up overall, following Iloilo, with the young athletes securing 64 gold, 64 silver, and 49 bronze medals in the elementary division, and 88 gold, 86 silver, and 73 bronze medals in the secondary division. Lacson also extended cash incentives to coaches, assistant coaches, trainers, and chaperones, recognizing their crucial role in nurturing the athletes' success.
The event was also attended by Romeo Sison Sr., Chief of the Schools Governance and Operations Division from the Department of Education-Division of Negros Occidental, who witnessed the distribution. Lacson encouraged the medalists, "To those who will represent Negros Occidental and Western Visayas in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa, carry with you the same determination and passion or even greater than what led you to victory in WVRAA."
The 2024 Palarong Pambansa is scheduled to be held in Cebu City from July 6 to 17.