The organizer of the 1st Iloilo City of Love Dinagyang Duathlon has apologized for the “disappointments and sadness” experienced by those who won in the competition.
After the controversial event on Jan. 7, some of the winners took to social media to share their “unfortunate” experiences. They questioned the cash prizes awarded to them.
In a statement on Monday, Jan. 9, Iloilo Active Sports (IACTS) assured that winners in all categories will receive the prizes stipulated in the official poster of the event.
“Our intention in hosting the event is for the promotion of sports tourism and the Dinagyang Festival. We at IACTS are also sports enthusiasts and know the training and hardships the athletes must endure in preparing for this kind of event,” IACTS said.
“We know that we all compete not only for the camaraderie we experience in these events but also for the pride and prize that come along with it,” they added.
The event’s participants raced in three main categories, namely Overall Male, Overall Female, and Team Relay. Based on the poster, the first placer of each category would receive P8,000 while the second and third placer would get P6,000 and P4,000, respectively, with trophies.
There were also age-group categories, which include 25 and Under, 26 to 35, 36 to 45, and 46 and Above.
Ilongga athlete Rhea Jagunap, who emerged as first placer in the age-group category, said she received a cash prize amounting to P1,000.
“Ok lang na Jen indi na magcry ha ha ha isa ka bilog nga [Angel’s B]urger nakaon ta [P]1,500 ang registrations, premyo ta sa category ang champion [P1,000]; 2nd, P800; ang 3rd P500 ha ha ha,” she wrote.
“Dinagyang Duathlon ni bala haha pocket race ha ha ha Hay ambot nalooy ako sa mga runners and bikers. [J]ust saying. Laka lang ko gawangal kay kaboot sa akon. City of love man bala diin heart nyo [?] [M]ay bisita pa kita sa iban nga lugar,” she added.
According to the Iloilo City Sports Development Division, the duathlon event is not included in their official list of Dinagyang sports events.
Meanwhile, the organizer said they would contact all the age-group category winners and give the “remaining balance.”
“And we again apologize for any misunderstanding that happened after the event. We hope this gesture will in some small way be a positive step towards understanding. We take heart that these unfortunate incidents will not dissuade our colleagues in supporting and participating in our future initiatives,” said IACTS.IMT
