AID FOR ATHLETES. Photo of Typhoon Odette-battered areas which were visited by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in the towns of Cebu and Bohol on Dec. 19, 2021. The Philippine Sports Commission on Monday (December 20) announced it is preparing relief efforts for national athletes affected by “Odette”. (Presidential photo)
MANILA – Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez gave instructions to organize relief efforts for the national athletes severely affected by Typhoon Odette.
The PSC management committee, led by PSC Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr., met Monday to finalize the logistics for the care package.
“This is a force of nature that we cannot control. However, we can do our share to help them get through this. We will do all we can with the resources available,” Ramirez said in a news release.
The PSC has been monitoring the situation of the members of the Philippine National Team affected by “Odette” which ravaged the Visayas and northern Mindanao region late last week.
“We are closely keeping track of the situation of our athletes. There is quite a number affected like in Bohol where Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) has a small gym which was washed-out in the reports we received,” Ramirez said.
Iroy is leading the charge of efforts, connecting with the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the transport and delivery of goods like mattresses and water bottles.
Odette (international name Rai) was the 15th typhoon to hit the Philippines this year.
According to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA), Odette weakened slightly from a Category 5 to a Category 3 storm after making a landfall in Siargao Island on December 16.
P10K cash gift
Meanwhile, the PSC prepares to release this week a cash gift of PHP10,000 each for members of the national team.
Ramirez and PSC Commissioners Ramon Fernandez, Celia Kiram, Charles Maxey and Arnold Agustin approved the Christmas monetary gift in their last board meeting despite challenges in the sports agency’s resources.
“Whatever hinders the income of our benefactors, hinders our cash flow too. However, the holidays will come nevertheless, and we wish for our athletes and coaches to be able to celebrate well with family too,” Ramirez said, adding that this Christmas gift is on top of their monthly allowances.
Despite the many challenges this year, especially for those hit by “Odette”, Ramirez said he “wishes our athletes to have a meaningful observance of the holidays with their families.” (PR)
