Finally government financial assistance will be given to professional boxers who were sidelined for more than a year now due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Highland Boxing Promotion’s Brico Santig said Friday that 19 of his boxers will be getting financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development – Cordillera.

He said that not only boxers but also athletes from different disciplines like mixed martial arts, muay Thai and even trainers and match makers “will be getting financial aid from the DSWD through the initiative of Senator Bong Go and Games and Amusement Board Baham Mitra.

On Thursday, the boxers were able to get from the DSWD – Cordillera financial aid in the amount of P3,000 as well as a box of rice and some groceries.

Among the Highland Promotions boxers who got their financial aid are Jeremy Bastian, Randy Bullong, Nathan Bolcio, Rosendo Autida, France Louie Jorda, Alan Alegria, Dennis Padua, Jujeath Nagaowa, Benjamin Bartolome, Junel Miranda, former world title challenger Jelbirt Gomera, Jayvee Alifio, John Michael Uduna, Rex Wa-o, Darinton Colas, Alejandro Anas and former world titlist Dayer Gabutan.

Santig’s brother, Ericson, who aids him in promotion, was also among the beneficiaries.

The one year lay off has forced some of the boxers seek other livelihood to be able to send money to their families including Gomera, who worked as a porter at the vegetable trading post.

“They wake up early, leave for the trading post then come back in the afternoon then train before hitting the sack,” Santig said in the vernacular.

In April last year, Mitra wrote both DSWD and the Department of Labor and Employment to help professional boxers and other prize fighters sidelined when all sports events were cancelled due to the pandemic.

However, most of the Baguio and Benguet athletes were left out from the Social Amelioration Program.

“Thanks to the good senator, the GAB and the DSWD for this which will surely help the boxers family,” added Santig.