Filipino athletes who brought home medals from the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, received an additional reward for their achievements, as the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) distributed 53 iPhone 18 units valued at approximately ₱7 million during its General Assembly on Thursday, October 22, at the East Ocean Palace in Parañaque City. The smartphones were provided with support from SportsPlus, a private sponsor and official POC partner, which donated 49 of the 53 units. The initiative recognized the country’s medal-winning athletes, including members of successful team events, alongside the cash incentives they are entitled to receive from the government.
The rewards included three iPhone Duo units, 11 iPhone Pro Max models, and 35 iPhone Pro units donated by SportsPlus, all with 512GB storage. POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino thanked the sponsor for the additional recognition, noting that the devices could also help athletes access online training resources, conditioning programs, and fitness applications. Among those who welcomed the gesture was taekwondo medalist Jeus Yape, while mixed martial arts silver medalist Jean Claude Saclag shared plans to give his new phone to his wife. Several athletes, including Carlos Yulo, EJ Obiena, and Alex Eala, were unable to attend personally because of ongoing international competitions or training commitments.
The recognition follows the Philippines’ successful Asian Games campaign, which produced 29 medals, including four golds, nine silvers, and 16 bronzes. Under the government’s existing incentive program, individual gold medalists are entitled to ₱2 million, silver medalists to ₱1 million, and bronze medalists to ₱400,000, subject to applicable rules. With preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics already underway, the additional rewards highlight continued recognition of Filipino athletes beyond their competition results, as national sports officials work to sustain support for future international campaigns.