Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
September 13, 2017

“I congratulate you all, especially our medalists, for the accomplishment that has brought honor for the country. Through hard work and discipline, you have prevailed and made our nation proud,” said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as he hailed Filipino athletes in the awarding ceremony of the 29th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) medalists of the Philippine team and launching of the Siklab Atleta Pilipinas at the Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace.

The President also congratulated Malaysia for their successful hosting of the 29th SEAG and said that the event “is a symbol of the ASEAN’s commitment to strengthen our partnership and cooperation towards a common goal of a more prosperous and united region in the coming years.”

President Duterte also expressed the honor of having the Philippines host the 30th SEAG in 2019 and hoped that the games will continue to foster a spirit of goodwill and sportsmanship.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) was also invited by the President to continue to look for talented athletes and widen its scope to recruit nationwide.

President Duterte encouraged the athletes to focus on improving and striving to do better in the next SEAG and assured them, “the government and the Filipino people will support you every step of the way.”

PSC Chairman William Ramirez, Presidential Adviser for Sports Dennis Uy, other high-ranking government officials, and medalists from the SEAG Philippine team joined the President in the ceremony.

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