CEBU CITY — The Cebu City government plans to grant an incentive to Allen Aldrin Castañeda, the coach of gymnast Carlos Yulo, for his role in giving the Philippines two gold medals at the Paris Olympics.
Acting Cebu City Vice Mayor Dondon Hontiveros said the city will acknowledge Castañeda, a Cebuano from Barangay Hipodromo, for his significant contribution to Yulo's success.
Hontiveros, a former basketball star turned politician, told The Manila Times earlier this week that Castañeda will receive a monetary reward.
The exact amount is yet to be decided and will be determined by the city council.
Hontiveros added that councilors, including minority leader Nestor Archival and acting mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, who proposed the incentive, are supporting the proposal.
Last Friday, Garcia clarified that the city council must first approve the cash incentive.
He explained that current ordinances only authorize cash incentives for athletes who have represented Cebu City and achieved international recognition.
Garcia suggested passing a resolution to honor Castañeda as the coach of Yulo and provide him with a financial reward.
Hontiveros also said that the city government will use a similar process to award cash incentives to successful student athletes from Central Visayas who won medals at Palarong Pambansa last month.
Earlier this month, Garcia already said that the city government plans to give Castañeda a grand hero's welcome upon his return from France.
Garcia praised Castañeda for bringing pride to the Cebuano community and promised a hero's welcome at Cebu City Hall. Barangay Hipodromo is also preparing a special reception to celebrate Castañeda's homecoming.
The exact date of Castañeda's return is not yet known, but his family, all involved in gymnastics, eagerly awaits his arrival.
Under Republic Act 10699, or the Sports Benefits and Incentives Act of 2001, Yulo is set to receive P20 million for his two Olympic gold medals, or P10 million for each gold.
Additionally, Castañeda will receive 50 percent of Yulo's incentive, amounting to P10 million from the government.