The Philippine House of Representatives has endorsed to release 10 million pesos (US$250, 000) for the country's preparation for the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games this August.

 

The Philippine Daily Inquirer on Sunday reported that Philippine Sports Commission chair Butch Ramirez hailed the endorsement as lawmakers' "active participation" in the quest of the Philippines's first Olympic gold.

 

"The House has seen that continuous and sustained support is needed in our preparation," Ramirez said.

 

But the report did not reveal how the fund will be spent.

 

The House approval of Olympic boost fund came a day after a team of promising Filipino boxers failed to earn a slot to the Games in the Asian Qualifying in Bangkok, Thailand.

 

Only one of the Filipino boxers, on whom the country laid the most confidence for an Olympic gold, has been qualified to fight in the Beijing Games.

 

Harry Tanamor, 31, secured his Olympic berth at the World Amateur Boxing Championships in Chicago last November. Tanamor was defeated by China's Zou Shiming in the final.

 

Other seven qualifiers are in taekwondo, swimming and archery.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 3, 2008)