PSC releases P3.3 million budget for Winter Olympics

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has released a budget of P3.3 million to bankroll the country's campaign in the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics slated for February 4.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino confirmed the development in a statement as the Philippines will be bannered by lone representative Asa Miller.

"The POC expresses its gratitude to PSC and Asics for their valuable support to our participation in the Winter Olympics,” Tolentino said.

Miller, a Filipino-American Alpine skier, is now onto his second Winter Games appearance after having been part of the 2018 PyeongChang delegation where he competed in giant slalom.

In the upcoming edition, the 21-year-old athlete will still compete in giant slalom as well as slalom.

Miller will be accompanied by are Chef de Mission Bones Floro, Philippine Ski and Snowboard Federation President Jim Palomar Apelar, COVID-19 liaison officer Nikki Cheng, athlete and administrative officer Dave Carter, athlete welfare officer Jobert Yu, and Asa’s coach Will Gregorak.

Floro will be leaving for Beijing on January 27 while the rest of the delegation will follow suit on January 28. They are expected to be back on February 18.

The slalom races are set from February 13 to 16 at the Xiaohaituo Alpine Skiing Field in Yanqing, China.

“We are very grateful for the generous support of the POC and PSC inspite of this very difficult time,” Floro said. “It is our hope that our continuous participation in sporting events bring some hope and national pride to our countrymen.”

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News