Palaro athletes recognized for returning P50k

This is an official release from the Davao del Norte provincial goverment

DAVAO DEL NORTE, Philippines – Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Davao del Norte recognized the honesty of the three gymnasts who returned the P50,000 cash they found on the premises of their billeting quarter.

The SP on its 17th Regular Session approved the resolution filed by Board Member Atty. Raymond Joey Millan, commending Brian Albert Buhian (15), Janliver Estabaya (14), and Louie Villacorte Jr (16), for their integrity.

“What the three athletes have done proved that you need not die to be a hero,” said Millan on his privilege speech.

The Board Members also chipped in some amount of money to be given as incentive to the trustworthy athletes.

The boys are deep in their training as members of the gymnastics team of the Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) delegation, who are billeted at the Tagum City National Comprehensive High School in Mankilam, Tagum City, this province.

The school is adjacent to the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex, which is the main venue of the Palarong Pambansa on May 3-9, 2015.

Davao del Norte is hosting this year’s edition of the country’s largest school-based games supported by the Tagum Agricultural Development Company Inc. or TADECO, Damosa Land, Davao Packaging Corporation (DPC), Davao International Container Terminal, Inc. (DICT) and Pearl Farm Beach Resort.

Buhian said he was shocked to find a bundle of money under the bench of the school kiosk after buying some personal necessities outside the campus at around 6:30 pm on April 18, 2015.

“Gikulbaan jud ko (I was perturbed),” said the Grade 8 student of the Sinawilan National High School in Digos City, Davao del Sur, as it is his first time to see a huge amount of money.

Yet, the son of an egg vendor said he did not balk a bit on returning the money because of the values instilled in them by their parents and coaches.

So the moment he saw his approaching teammates, Estabaya and Villacorte, he immediately told them about what he found and intention to return the money.

No one else was around during that time but the three all agreed to give the money back to the rightful owner.

“Our parents raised us well and we cannot afford to damage their name,” said Buhian, who is the 7th among a brood of 12, in the vernacular.

It turned out the money was earmarked as allowance for their fellow Davao Eagles athletes coming from Panabo City in Davao del Norte province.

Education executives earlier cited the boys for their honesty.

“We’re proud of what they did. Not only athleticism, sports also teaches good manners, honesty and other virtues,” said Jenielito Atillo, spokesperson of the DAVRAA. – Rappler.com