MANILA – National athletes and coaches will receive a PHP5,000 increase in their monthly allowances starting next month, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) announced Thursday.

Chairman John Patrick Gregorio had informed the athletes, coaches, and representatives of the various national sports associations (NSAs) of the increase during a general assembly at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on July 8.

The former PBA chairman said it’s about time the athletes and coaches get an increase in their allowances.

“Why? Because we realized that so many athletes still get PHP10,000 per month, which is lower than the minimum wage," Gregorio said.

Together with Commissioner Edward Hayco, the PSC chief visited athletes and coaches from baseball, softball, wushu, wrestling, and hockey, staying at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Wednesday.

“We distributed food for the athletes who can’t leave the complex due to flooding,” Gregorio said.

The PSC officials also listened to the athletes’ “kwentong buhay” (life stories) and their dreams of pursuing higher education.

Gregorio said the “kumustahan” (casual conversation) with the athletes only strengthened the PSC’s commitment to plot academic sponsorships for national athletes through the Philippine Sports Institute.

“As long as they share their stories, the PSC is here to listen. Then we will find ways to help make their dreams come true. Here’s to not just celebrating wins but creating winning moments for our athletes,” he added.

Meanwhile, national team members are no longer required to sign and submit a daily time record together with a comprehensive activity report.

“In place of these documents, the NSAs are now required to submit the newly adopted monthly training attendance certification,” said PSC acting Executive Director Guillermo Iroy Jr., who issued the advisory on July 22.

“This certification must be duly signed by the NSA president or secretary general and notarized, and shall serve as the official basis for qualified members of the national training pool to receive their allowance for the particular month,” he explained.

The move “aims to enhance efficiency, streamline administrative requirements, while maintaining accountability in the disbursement of government support."

“It’s a blessing considering the rising cost of living,” said Henry Lopez, a member of the Philippine para-chess team. (PNA)