MANILA, Philippines - The government will not give incentives to members of the Philippine Dragon Boat team that has won 5 gold and 2 silver medals at the world championships in the United States, according to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

The PSC said the dragon boat paddlers are not considered as national athletes by National Sports Associations (NSAs) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

Under the PSC charter, a national athlete or team should be given P100,000 for each gold medal won in international tournaments.

The dragon boat team's mother association, the Philippine Dragon Boat Association (PDBF), has been stripped of its status as an NSA by the POC.

Thus, the dragon boat athletes lost allowances for their training.

The financial constraints resulted in the team being cut in half.

They also almost failed to make it to this year's world championships due to lack funds.

The private sector saved the day, with Cobra energy drink and Philippine Airlines sponsoring the team's airline tickets to Tampa Bay.

Bayanihan for Dragon Warriors 

Filipino-Americans, meanwhile, gave them food and water while they were competing in the world championships.

"Bayanihan spirit came alive during the competition days. Some of them volunteered to cook rice and Filipino viands. There was steady flow of energy drinks and bottled water," according to a statement from the Army.

"I dedicate all the gold medals to the Filipinos around the world who cheered us even in the Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team fan page. Nakakahiyang matalo dahil sa bumabahang suporta kaya inubos namin ang lakas para mapanalunan ang aming laban," said Sergeant Usman Anterola, the team's captain.

The team set two new world records side from winning 5 gold medals and 2 silver medals.

Senator Francis Pangilinan filed on Monday a resolution urging the Senate's games and amusements committee to look into the PSC's support program for athletes.

"It is unfortunate that we continuously hear about Filipino athletes performing superbly and displaying excellence despite the lack of government support. Our athletes are giving our nation honor and recognition, and they bring hope and exceptional aspirations to our people.


It is about time the government's concerned agencies give their complete and unqualified support to our athletes," he said.  

source: Gretchen Malalad -ABS-CBN News