BM Kitongan pushes ordinance to institutionalize incentives for Kalinga athletes, coaches, and sports organizers

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Kalinga Board Member Emilio Kitongan is currently pushing an ordinance to recognize the efforts of Kalinga athletes, coaches, and sports organizers by granting them cash incentives and non-cash benefits whenever they win in recognized competitions from the local to the international level.  

Athletes who represent the province in various competitions are receiving cash incentives from the PLGU, under the leadership of Governor James Edduba. However, there is no ordinance yet to provide for its rules and regulations, as well as a funding source. 

As the Chairman of the Committee on Education, BM Kitongan said he saw the need to strengthen support for athletes and coaches, prompting him to propose said ordinance.

Titled “ Sports Incentive Ordinance of the Province of Kalinga”, the proposed ordinance aims to ensure consistent support for athletes representing the province in both local and international competitions. 

The draft of the ordinance states that athletes who win medals in international, national, regional, and provincial sporting events will be entitled to cash rewards ranging from P5,000 up to P100,000, depending on the level of competition and medal won.  

Coaches and sports organizers who contributed to the athletes’ success will also receive 50% of their cash incentive.  

Aside from cash incentives, the proposed ordinance suggests providing non-cash benefits such as scholarships for athletes and their immediate families, free medical and dental check-ups, priority access to sports facilities, and public recognition through certificates, plaques, or inclusion in the Provincial Hall of Fame for Sports.  

To promote inclusivity, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) will get an additional 20% on top of their standard incentives.  

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Kalinga, during their session on September 2, approved the proposed ordinance to proceed for its second reading at next week’s session. 

Talking to Guru Press Cordillera, BM Kitongan stressed that the proposed ordinance is a way to institutionalize support for athletes and coaches, ensuring that their sacrifices and achievements are not left unnoticed.  

“This is not only to give them due recognition but also to inspire the younger generation of Kalinga to excel in sports. Maysa daytoy nga way tayo tapno maipakita tayo ti supporta tayo kadagiti atleta tayo ken dagiti teams da ken dagitoy mentors da,”said the legislator.  

As for the funding, the ordinance mentioned that it will be sourced from the annual budget of the province, with an initial allocation of P5 million to sustain the incentives.