NATIONAL  athletes and coaches will start receiving an additional ₱5,000 in monthly allowances beginning August, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) announced Thursday (24 July 2025).

PSC Chairman John Patrick Gregorio made the announcement during a general assembly with athletes and National Sports Associations (NSAs) at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium earlier this month.

“It’s time to give back. Many athletes still receive only ₱10,000 a month—below minimum wage,” Gregorio said, citing the growing financial needs of national team members.

On Wednesday, Gregorio and Commissioner Edward Hayco visited athletes from various sports staying at the flood-hit Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. They distributed packed meals and held informal talks to hear athletes’ personal stories and academic aspirations.

“These conversations reaffirm our commitment to support not just their sporting dreams, but also their educational goals through the Philippine Sports Institute,” Gregorio said.

In another move to ease administrative burdens, the PSC has scrapped the daily time record (DTR) and activity report requirements. Instead, NSAs must now submit a notarized monthly training attendance certification signed by their president or secretary-general.

“This streamlines the process while preserving accountability in the release of government support,” said PSC Executive Director Guillermo Iroy Jr.

Para-chess athlete Henry Lopez welcomed the move, calling the increase “a blessing amid rising living costs.”