ORMOC CITY, Philippines - On the warm and celebratory afternoon of March 10, Ormoc City welcomed home its delegation from the recently concluded Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) 2025. The city, known for its unwavering support for sports and youth development, made headlines once again as Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez announced a staggering P15 million cash incentive package for the athletes, coaches, and staff who brought honor to the city during the regional meet. This generous allocation underscores Ormoc’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence in sports.
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The homecoming ceremony, held at the Ormoc City Plaza, was a vibrant celebration of the city’s athletic achievements. Athletes, coaches, and their families gathered to celebrate the hard-earned victories and the pride they brought to Ormoc. Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, in her speech, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the entire delegation for their dedication and perseverance.
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"Every glory is celebrated not just by praise, but kung kaya sa budget, always with financial incentives," Mayor Gomez declared. She emphasized that this tradition of rewarding athletes financially was initiated during the time of her husband, former Congressman Richard Gomez, who is also a staunch advocate of sports development. "This was started from the time pa ni Cong. Richard, and that's why I say you have to thank the SP [Sangguniang Panlungsod] because sila ang mag-approve sa budget," she added.
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Mayor Gomez also highlighted how the athletes’ achievements align with the city’s #ShineOrmoc campaign, which aims to make Ormoc a beacon of excellence in sports, education, and community development. "Thank you for giving us reason for that #ShineOrmoc to not just be a dream or a wish, but actually a reality," she said. The campaign, which has gained traction over the years, reflects the city’s aspiration to nurture talent and provide opportunities for its youth to excel.
Cash Incentives Breakdown
Under Ormoc City Ordinance No. 64, also known as the Athletics Incentives Ordinance, the city has laid out a clear and generous incentive structure for its athletes. The ordinance ensures that every medalist, whether in individual or team events, receives financial rewards for their efforts. Here’s the breakdown of the incentives:
Individual Events:
🥇 Gold Medal — ₱5,000.00
🥈 Silver Medal — ₱3,000.00
🥉 Bronze Medal — ₱2,000.00
Team Events:
🥇 Gold Medal — ₱30,000.00
🥈 Silver Medal — ₱20,000.00
🥉 Bronze Medal — ₱10,000.00
Additionally, athletes who participated in Paragames and Demo Sports and won medals will also receive incentives. This inclusive approach ensures that all athletes, regardless of the category they compete in, are recognized and rewarded for their hard work.
Acknowledging the Sangguniang Panlungsod
Mayor Gomez took a moment to acknowledge the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) for their role in approving the budget for the incentives. "Diri la naton ini matatagamtaman kun waray suporta han aton SP. Sila an naghimo nga posible ini nga mga incentives para ha aton mga atleta," she said. The SP’s support highlights the collaborative effort between the city’s executive and legislative branches in promoting sports and youth development.
The cash incentives are more than just a financial reward; they are a testament to the city’s belief in the power of sports to transform lives. For many athletes, these incentives provide much-needed support for their education, training, and personal development. Juan Dela Cruz, a gold medalist in athletics, shared his gratitude: "Dako nga tabang ini ha amon, labi na ha amon mga pamilya. Ini nga incentives magamit namon para ha amon mga eskwelahan ngan ha amon mga training."
The incentives also serve as a motivation for younger athletes to strive for excellence. By rewarding achievements, Ormoc City is fostering a culture of hard work, discipline, and perseverance among its youth. This, in turn, contributes to the overall development of the community.
A Legacy of Sports Excellence
Ormoc City has long been a powerhouse in regional and national sports competitions. The city’s consistent support for its athletes has produced numerous champions who have gone on to represent the country in international competitions. The P15 million cash incentive package is a continuation of this legacy, ensuring that Ormoc remains a breeding ground for world-class talent.
Looking Ahead
As the city celebrates its recent victories, Mayor Gomez and the local government are already looking ahead to future competitions. Plans are underway to further improve sports facilities, provide more training opportunities, and expand the city’s sports programs. The goal is to ensure that Ormoc’s athletes are well-equipped to compete at higher levels and bring even more glory to the city.
A Celebration of Unity and Pride
The homecoming ceremony was not just a celebration of individual achievements but also a testament to the unity and pride of the Ormocanon community. The cheers, applause, and smiles that filled the plaza were a reminder of how sports can bring people together and inspire a sense of collective pride.
As the sun set on March 10, Ormoc City stood tall, not just as a city of champions but as a city that values and invests in its people. The P15 million cash incentives are more than just a reward; they are a symbol of hope, encouragement, and the unwavering belief that every Ormocanon has the potential to shine.
About EVRAA:
The Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) is an annual multi-sport event that brings together athletes from across the Eastern Visayas region. It serves as a qualifying event for the Palarong Pambansa, the national sports competition in the Philippines. Ormoc City has consistently been a top performer in EVRAA, showcasing the city’s commitment to sports development. majaits
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For more updates on Ormoc City’s sports programs and initiatives, follow #ShineOrmoc on social media.