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Photo: President Ferdinand ‘BongBong’ Marcos congratulates SEAG medalist during the awarding of cash incentives on Wednesday at Malacanang in the presence of (from left) Senator Francis Tolentino, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) President Michael Barredo, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman & CEO Alejandro Tengco, and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard Bachman.
“Ipinagmamalaki namin kayo, kaya susuklian namin ang inyong ginawang sakripisyo at dinalang dangal para sa ating mahal na Pilipinas.”
Thus, said President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr., amid loud cheers from more than 300 athletes during the cash incentives awarding for 2023 SEA Games medalists on Wednesday at Malacañang Palace.
As an expression of recognition and appreciation for their efforts, President Marcos doubled the incentives of the country’s medalists at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) and 12th ASEAN Para Games (APG) in Cambodia, as later announced by the Office of the President after the awarding.
“Asahan niyo na sa administrasyong ito, gagawin natin ang lahat na maipalabas natin ang kagalingan at husay ng ating atleta,” Marcos vowed.
The President’s generous gesture meant that he was matching the P49,706,250 in total cash incentives that all of the medalists will receive under Republic Act 10699.
Under the law, a SEAG individual gold medal is worth P300,000, a silver medal worth P150,000, and P60,000 for the bronze, while APG medalists will receive half of this amount per medal.
“President Marcos was pleased by the performance of our athletes, and we thank his generosity that would definitely boost the morale of our sports heroes,” said Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard Bachmann.
In his welcome speech, Bachmann highlighted that “with many challenges and circumstances, this batch of national athletes managed to overcome. You have reminded this nation that our resiliency is a gift that allows us to conquer obstacles in pursuit of greatness,” added the PSC chief.
Also, present in the awarding to show their appreciation to the athletes were PSC Commissioners Bong Coo, Fritz Gaston, Edward Hayco, Walter Torres, and Executive Director Paulo Tatad, together with Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chairman & CEO Alejandro Tengco, Senator Francis Tolentino, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Bambol Tolentino and Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) President Michael Barredo.
Tolentino thanked President Marcos Jr. for reiterating his full support to Filipino athletes and Philippine sports in general.
“President Marcos Jr. welcoming the athletes in Malacanang and personally handing them their incentives is more than enough a strong gesture of his strong belief and confidence in our athletes,” Tolentino said.
“And committing more incentives to the athletes shows that his heart and passion goes with Filipino athletes,” said Tolentino, adding that the President showed pure concern for the athletes by addressing not only their efforts but also the sacrifices made by their team and support group—from their coaches and trainers and more importantly, to their families.
“President Marcos’s support to the athletes goes far, wide, and deep,” Tolentino said. “And I was touched by the fact that our President even praised the drivers who bring our athletes to and from their training and competition venues. That’s a heart.”
Team Philippines took home 260 medals with 58 gold, 85 silvers, and 117 bronzes from the 32nd SEA Games and a record-breaking 117 medals with 34 gold, 33 silvers, and 50 bronzes from the 12th APG.
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