PH athletes receive P2.7 million in incentives for Asian Beach Games medal haul
MANILA — The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) distributed a total of P2.7 million in cash incentives to the Filipino athletes who delivered medals at the 2026 Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, recognizing their efforts to rep the flag.
The Philippines surpassed its previous showing in the continental meet after collecting three gold, four silver, and two bronze medals, improving on the country’s two-gold finish in the 2016 edition held in Da Nang, Vietnam.
“Kayo ang bahala sa incentives, kami ang bahala sa training niyo. Kami ang bahala sa mga pangangailangan ninyo,” PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio said.
Among the biggest recipients were jiu-jitsu standouts Annie Ramirez and Alex Enriquez, along with high jumper Leonard Grospe, who each received P500,000 for capturing gold medal in their respective events.
Ramirez said that while she needs to save her prize money, a portion of it will be invested in her coffee shop business.
“Meron akong coffee shop na kailangan i-keep up… isa yun sa mga nilalaanan ko,” she said.
Silver medalists were also rewarded under the government’s incentive program. Jiu-jitsu athlete Emily Thomas and sailor Dhenver Castillo received P250,000 each.
Meanwhile, the women’s 4×60-meter relay team—composed of Kristina Knott, Jessica Laurance, Diana Pama, and Shane Joy Ponce—and the women’s 3×3 basketball squad, composed of Gabi Bade, Mikka Cacho, Reynalyn Ferrer, and Kaye Pingol, were each allotted to P250,000 per team for their podium finishes. They will equally share their team’s incentive, with each athlete receiving P62,500.
Bronze medalists Kaila Napolis and sprinter Jessica Laurance were awarded P100,000 each for their performances.
The PSC also said national team coaches will be given monetary rewards equivalent to half of the incentives received by their medal-winning athletes. The schedule for the release of the coaches’ incentives has yet to be announced.
Cash rewards for Filipino athletes and coaches are granted under Republic Act No. 10699, also known as the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, which provides financial incentives to national team members who win medals in major international competitions.
The awarding highlighted the government’s recognition of the country’s growing success on the international stage, following the Philippines’ best-ever performance in the Asian Beach Games in a decade.