Malacañang officials yesterday confirmed Arroyo’s presence at the Olympics slated August 8 as it informed the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) led by its president Jose "Peping" Cojuangco Jr.

"We received an official confirmation (from Malacañang) that the President will definitely attend the Beijing Olympics," Cojuangco said.

The announcement came a day after Arroyo pledged to lead the fund-raising campaign for the national team. POC vice president and RP team’s Chief of Mission, Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella said the other day that the President has pledged to provide a "godfather for every athlete" who will compete in Beijing.

According to Cojuangco, he already notified the Philippine ambassador to China, Sonia Cataumber Brady, to arrange the accommodations and security for Arroyo.

"The IOC (International Olympic Committee) has already made a special arrangement with the Chinese government regarding its hosting with the dignitaries," Cojuangco said.

"I’m not just sure whether she’ll (Arroyo) stay or go after the opening ceremonies," he added.

So far, there are 11 athletes who qualified for the Olympics.

Leading the country’s campaign and top prospects for the gold are taekwondo jins Tshomlee Go and Marie Antoinette Rivero, and boxer Harry Tanamor.

Other athletes who earned Olympic berths are swimmers Miguel Molina, Ryan Arabejo, Daniel Coakley, JB Walsh and Christel Simms, divers Sheila Mae Perez and Rexel Ryan Fabriga, and Mark Javier of archery.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), led by its chairman Butch Ramirez, has committed P40 million for the training and preparation of the athletes.

But with Arroyo coming in, the budget for training could increase.

"The President already wanted to lead our Olympic drive even before. So whether we’ll generate additional funds or not, let’s just wait and see," Cojuangco said.

During the time of Arroyo’s father, former President Diosdado Macapagal, the country came close of winning its first gold medal, but boxing Anthony Villanueva lost in the finals of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

In 1996 in Atlanta, another boxer Mansueto "Onyok" Velasco settled for silver.

"Who knows, maybe we could win our first gold medal during the term of the daughter. This is a good sign. This is a signal that the President is determined to help Philippine sports," Puentevella said.