Petron chair and CEO Nicasio Alcantara and president Khalid Al-Faddagh gave the awards in simple ceremonies at the Petron Megaplaza Building in Makati City on Jan. 15.
The five gold medalists are Donald David Geisler III, Dax Alberto Morfe, Margarita Maria Estela Bonifacio, Veronica Domingo, and Mary Antonette Rivero. Each received cash incentives of P50,000.
The silver medalists, who each received P25,000, are Dindo Simpao, Alexander Briones and Kalindi Tamayo. Cash awards of P10,000 each were likewise given to bronze medalists Roberto Cruz, Jeferthom Go, Manuel Rivero Jr., Ann Margaret Boyle, Sally Solis and Eva Marie Ditan.
"We have always been an avid supporter of Philippine taekwondo," said Alcantara. "The company not only supports athletes for international competitions but also the development of taekwondo at the grassroots level. In many gyms and schools this marshal art, which teachers discipline, speed, and timing, is being taught to young adults and even children starting at the age of seven."
Petron has been a corporate sponsor of the national taekwondo team since 1999. "We have supported and will continue to support the national contingent in all major international competitions including the World Taekwondo Championships, SEA Games, Asian Games and the Olympics," said Al-Faddagh.