The Philippines’ four Tokyo Olympic medalists will be awarded their own house and lot units in their respective provinces, courtesy of the National Housing Authority, as part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s additional incentives.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Butch Ramirez and NHA General Manager Marcelino P. Escalada, Jr. have been working hands-on to deliver the President’s promise immediately.
The fully furnished, 2-storey houses are now ready for occupancy. The turnover of the units for proud Zamboangueños, weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and boxing bronze achiever Eumir Marcial is scheduled on September 2 in Zamboanga. Turn-over for the units of boxing silver medalists Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam will be in Davao on dates to be announced later.
Escalada detailed that the 2-storey, 2-bedroom units have a floor area of 60 sq. meters and a total lot area of 80 sq. meters. It will be tiled, painted and fully furnished, complete with water and electricity.
The properties are in a community that has easy access to a wet and dry market, police outpost, and other institutional services.
Ramirez expressed his happiness for the four medalists saying that he hopes for more good things to come to them because they deserve it.
The sports chief added that he hopes this good fortune and success of the national athletes could “inspire a child somewhere to take up sports and one day take their turn in bringing pride to the Philippines.”