Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro spearheaded the distribution of more than PHP 2 million in cash incentives to medalists who represented Cebu Province in the 2026 Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (Cviraa) Meet and the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur.
A total of 654 student-athletes and coaches received their incentives during a ceremony held at the Department of Education (DepEd) Ecotech Center on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
In her speech, Baricuatro assured the continued support of the Provincial Government for sports programs that develop and nurture the province’s student-athletes.
“I assure you that we in the Cebu Provincial Government will continue to support athletes like you and our youth of Cebu,” she said.
The governor also shared plans for the construction of a new sports center, which she said would be available to student-athletes within the next two years.
“Let us continue investing in our youth, because you are the hope of the nation,” she added.
Despite the awards and cash incentives, Baricuatro reminded the athletes not to focus solely on winning but also to enjoy and cherish their experiences during competitions.
“The most important things you can achieve are the lessons you learn and the character you build,” Baricuatro said.
Cebu Province Schools Division Superintendent Senen Paulin expressed gratitude for the governor’s unwavering support for both the athletes and the division.
In a sideline interview with SunStar Cebu, Paulin said the original budget allocated for the incentive program was only PHP 1 million. However, because of the unexpectedly high number of medal-winning athletes this year, Baricuatro approved additional funding to ensure that all deserving recipients received their incentives.
Paulin also noted that during the Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur, Baricuatro personally distributed allowances to the province’s delegates.
“Governor Pam’s support for us is truly tremendous,” Paulin said.
In a separate interview, Cebu Province’s lone gold medalist at the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, Junmar Davo of Minglanilla, said he was overwhelmed by the support he received from the government and fellow athletes.
The Grade 10 student, who was competing in both wrestling and the Palarong Pambansa for the first time, said the cash incentive has motivated him to continue striving for success during the remaining two years of his eligibility.
“I’m very happy because this is my first time competing and I was able to win,” Davo said.
Davo received PHP 50,000 in cash incentives during the program in recognition of his achievement.
The incentive program is funded through the Special Education Fund (SEF). Under the SEF scheme, Palarong Pambansa gold medalists receive PHP 50,000; silver medalists PHP 25,000; and bronze medalists PHP 15,000, while Cviraa gold medalists receive PHP 5,000; silver medalists PHP 3,000; and bronze medalists PHP 2,000.
