Benguet: A town mayor in Benguet, who also serves as a karate instructor and practitioner, is advocating for increased incentives for athletes representing the province. The provincial ordinance currently provides a PHP3,000 allowance to athletes departing for competitions.

According to Philippines News Agency, outgoing Buguias Mayor and Board Member-elect Ruben Tindaan expressed his intentions in an interview on Friday. He aims to enhance the athletes' conditions through improved incentives, encouraging them to represent Benguet in regional, national, and international events. Tindaan highlighted that many athletes are enticed by other local government units due to better monetary incentives.

Tindaan explained that the incentives received by athletes upon winning significantly aid in covering expenses related to training, uniforms, and other competition preparations. While acknowledging the challenge of compelling a Benguet resident studying in Baguio to represent the province, he hopes the local government's increased incentives will serve as motivation.

He added that continuous training is challenging and costly, and many athletes struggle financially. The additional support from incentives is substantial, enabling athletes to persist in their training efforts.