By Jess Christley Marquez
APAYAO, Philippines — Three hundred yApayao athletes who brought home medals from the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) Meet and Palarong Pambansa received a combined ₱3.731 million in cash incentives from the Provincial Government of Apayao (PGA) on September 3.
The incentives were awarded during the opening of the 2026 Apayao Provincial Athletic Meet at the Apayao Grandstand, where more than 3,000 young athletes are competing this week.
Gymnasts Barell James Pablo, 16, of Luna National High School (LNHS) and Relyn Jordan, 12, of Pudtol Vocational High School (PVHS) were among the biggest recipients, taking home ₱110,000 each. Both won six gold medals from individual and team events.
Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr. said the province will continue investing in sports, just as it supports yApayao students who excel academically. He said athletic competition gives young people room to develop their abilities while carrying Apayao’s name in regional and national meets.
Gov. Bulut also apologized for the delay in releasing the incentives earned during the previous CARAA Meet in Benguet. For the next CARAA in Abra, he said the Provincial Government intends to have the incentives ready on the spot after the awarding ceremonies for every yApayao athlete who reaches the podium.
The province recently increased its incentives for athletes through a new ordinance. Individual medalists in regional competitions now receive ₱20,000 for gold, ₱15,000 for silver, and ₱10,000 for bronze. For team events, each member receives ₱10,000 for gold, ₱7,000 for silver, and ₱5,000 for bronze.
At the national level, medal incentives are ₱25,000 for gold, ₱20,000 for silver, and ₱15,000 for bronze. International medalists receive ₱30,000 for gold, ₱20,000 for silver, and ₱12,000 for bronze, with airfare reimbursement also provided.
The incentive program covers yApayao achievers in both sports and academics, a program the Provincial Government has maintained to reward students who represent the province in higher-level competitions.
