Marcos Jr. hails Filipino athletes

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday showed appreciation to Filipino medalists in the last  Southeast Asian Games and ASEAN Para Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia by doubling the incentives they previously received from the Philippine Sports Commission.

The Chief Executive announced the good news moments after handing out the P74 million cash bonus to all medal winners in the biennial regional meets held last May and June.

The simple program was graced by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco, Sen. Francis Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann, Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino and Philippine Paralympic Committee president Mike Barredo.

The country finished fifth in both the SEA Games (with a 58-86-116 gold-silver-bronze harvest) and the ASEAN Para Games (34-33-49 haul).

“Today (yesterday), we are fortunate to witness the latest of the long list of triumphant heroes in Philippine sports who have become exemplars of sporting prowess who showed the strength of Filipino spirit, grace of Filipino character and the passion of a Filipino heart, and that is what comes out with the results with what you have been able to do,” said the President.

The President hailed the athletes for making the country proud despite the “limited resources” given them.

“I always felt a little embarrassed because we’re not supporting our athletes and trainers and all the support group even the families na alam naman natin na hindi kayo nag champion nang nag iisa, marami ang nag sakripisyo din para sa inyo,” he said.

“It seems that we in government, considering the honor and pride you’re bringing to the Philippines is not commensurate with the great service that you do for our country and people.”

“Pinagmamalakaki namin kayo, dapat naman susuklian namin ang inyong ginawang sakripisyo,” he added. – Helen Flores