HOUSE BATS FOR DEV’T OF FILIPINO ATHLETES
THE House of Representatives approved on third and final reading House Bill (HB) No. 8495 or “An Act Strengthening Local Sports Programs to Develop Young Athletes,” which also provides funds to sports clubs, organizations or associations accredited or recognized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
With an overwhelming 275 votes, the measure aims to support young Filipino athletes by establishing a sports voucher system that they can use for their training or for the purchase of sports equipment.
“Our victories and triumphs in the last Olympics and the recent South East Asian Games only prove that, with more support for our sports programs, Filipino athletes can certainly dominate the world stage of sports. This is what the bill is trying to achieve by supporting athletes while they are young,” Speaker Martin G. Romualdez said.
Under HB 8495, program funds are allotted for three main categories: Get Started Fund, Get Going Fund and Get Playing Fund, all will be managed by the PSC.
The Get Started Funds provide young athletes, including those with disabilities, with an annual discount voucher worth P3,000 to “help pay for their membership, registration, participation, training, or general fees, including the purchase of sports equipment and uniforms.”
These vouchers, the measure said, “can be redeemed at any sports club, recreation club, sports association or organization that is duly accredited or recognized by the PSC and have facilities and activities which can provide the proper, well-equipped, safe, healthy, comfortable, and accessible venue and opportunities for training and competition.”
According to the measure, to avail of the sports voucher, the young athlete must be under the age of 18 and is actively engaged in any sports; a member of any local sports club, organization or association; and a resident in the locality where the sports club, association or organization is located.
Sports vouchers are not redeemable for cash, are non-transferrable and cannot be used once redeemed.
