Gold Medal, But Only P3K Reward for Leyte Athlete
3K ONLY? – A young athlete from Leyte has spoken out after receiving only P3,000 as a reward for winning a gold medal in the secondary boys’ long jump event at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa. The athlete, 17-year-old Efosa John Paul Aguinaldo, went viral on social media as many sympathized with his situation.
Motivational speaker Rendon Labador reached out to Aguinaldo through a Facebook post, expressing his frustration over the lack of support for the athlete. Labador pointed out the huge difference in rewards given by other regions, stating, “BACK TO BACK CHAMPION pala yung bata grabe to hindi man lang nasuportahan yung atleta na nagbigay parangal. Akala ko ba mga sir gusto ninyo mag sports ang kabataan? Bkit kaya ganon? Sa Calabarzon daw 260K binigay sa nag champion, sa Leyte 3K.”
Aguinaldo admitted that learning about the small amount of incentive left him disheartened. He shared, “Naiiyak nga ako. Sa ibang region, P200,000 nga bigay, tapos sakin P3,000 lang,” he said. “Sobrang pagod kaya ng training. Nawalan ako ng gana, pero nagpursigi parin ako manalo.” He also revealed that during his training, he didn’t even have proper shoes.
Despite the growing attention on social media, the Provincial Government of Leyte has not yet issued any statement regarding Aguinaldo’s situation. Under the Palarong Pambansa Act of 2013, local government units (LGUs) have the authority to decide the amount of incentives given to athletes who compete in the Palarong Pambansa.
Earlier, a woman went viral after emerging from a drainage canal in Makati. Dubbed the “Imburnal Girl,” she received ₱80,000 from the DSWD to start a small business. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian even considered her as a potential ambassador and honorary social worker. However, during her appearance on Pinoy Pawnstars, it was revealed that she occasionally uses drugs. The DSWD later offered her assistance for rehabilitation.
Related Post: Rendon Labador Slams ₱3K Reward for Palarong Pambansa Winner