Underscoring the need to provide student-athletes and coaches the full support they deserve, Marikina City 1st District Representative Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro pushed to increase the allowances of Marikina delegates in the National Capital Region (NCR) leg of the Palarong Pambansa this year.

Teodoro convinced Marikina Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro during the send-off ceremony for the city’s athletes and coaches bound to the Regional Palaro 2023 on Tuesday to increase the allowances of student-athletes and their coaches.

She said the meal allowance was raised from PHP300 to PHP500 per day for five days, excluding PHP2,500 transportation and PHP3,500 training allowances for a total of PHP8,500.

“Alam ko tayong lahat gustong manalo. Iyon naman ang dahilan kung bakit tayo sumali. Pero minsan hindi lang sa pagkapanalo ang sukatan ng kagalingan. Iyong natamo ninyong karanasan, isang malaking panalo na rin iyan (I know we all want to win. That’s why we joined. But sometimes winning is not the only measure of success. The experience you have gained, that is also a big win),” she said.

Teodoro said the city increased the allowances of students and teachers because they understand how difficult it will be for them to represent Marikina in the NCR Palaro and give their all throughout the competition.

In his speech, Mayor Marcy announced that over and above the PHP8,500, an additional PHP5,000 will be given to student-athletes representing Marikina in the NCR Palaro.

“Lahat ng athlete would have an additional allowance, over and above the PHP8,500, an additional of PHP5000. Again, to all the athletes, congratulations!,” Marcy said.

The student-athletes, coaches and teachers welcomed the announcement of congresswoman Maan and Mayor Marcy.

In January, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced the conduct of the 2023 Palarong Pambansa in Marikina City from July 29 to August 5. (PNA)