Photo courtesy of Joy Gorzal/PNA
The Iloilo City government is expanding its sports development programs to give young athletes more support and training opportunities, Mayor Raisa Treñas said Monday.
Treñas made the statement as the city honored 64 local athletes who won medals in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa.
The awarding of cash incentives was held during the regular flag-raising ceremony.
Treñas said the city was working on programs that would strengthen support for children, particularly those involved in sports.
She said the local government was developing La Paz Plaza and planning a 1,500-seat gymnasium that could serve as a practice venue for athletes.
The mayor also said the city-owned YMCA building would be improved and used as a venue for free swimming training.
Under the city’s incentive program, athletes received Php 7,000 for every gold medal, Php 5,000 for silver and Php 3,000 for bronze, while coaches and assistant coaches each received Php 2,000.
Iloilo City athletes, who competed as part of the Western Visayas delegation, won 11 gold, 16 silver and 37 bronze medals in the national games.