Nueva Vizcaya Governor Jose Gambito is urging the Department of Education to strengthen its support framework for student-athletes following the province’s impressive performance at the recent Cagayan Valley Regional Athletic Association meet.
Speaking during the fourth regular meeting of the provincial local school board, Gambito emphasized that the success of Nueva Vizcaya’s delegation should not simply be celebrated, but used as a basis for policy improvement. For him, athletic achievement is not only a matter of medals but also a reflection of how effectively institutions nurture young talent.
The province secured the third runner-up position after collecting 49 gold, 56 silver, and 64 bronze medals during the regional competition held in Santiago City. The result, according to Gambito, proves that student-athletes are capable of delivering high-level performances when given the right opportunities and support.
However, he pointed out a persistent weakness in the current system: delayed incentive distribution.
Under the existing structure, athletes are awarded P3,000 for every gold medal, P2,000 for silver, and P1,000 for bronze. While these incentives are meant to recognize hard work and dedication, the release of funds often takes weeks because requests must pass through standard accounting and auditing procedures.
Gambito believes this delay weakens the purpose of the reward itself.
Recognition, especially for young athletes, carries the greatest impact when it arrives at the right moment. A delayed incentive can feel like applause after the audience has already left. Immediate support reinforces motivation, validates sacrifice, and sends a clear message that excellence is valued.
He stressed that incentives should ideally be released soon after the competition ends, provided that all disbursements remain compliant with Commission on Audit regulations. The challenge, he explained, is not removing accountability but improving efficiency within the system.
His proposal centers on reviewing the existing incentive mechanism so that deserving athletes receive recognition without unnecessary waiting periods. Faster processing would not only benefit students financially but could also encourage stronger participation in future competitions.
For many student-athletes, balancing academics and training requires discipline, family support, and personal sacrifice. Timely incentives serve as more than financial assistance, they become a tangible sign that their efforts matter.
As Nueva Vizcaya continues to produce strong athletic performances, the conversation is shifting from celebration to sustainability. Gambito’s call highlights a broader issue in school sports development: talent can only thrive when institutions move as quickly as the athletes they support.
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