Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Manila
October 25, 2023
“On behalf of a proud and a grateful nation, I salute and I recognize the excellent performance that you displayed in the 19th Asian Games,” expressed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as he joined the nation in celebrating the triumph of the country’s modern-day heroes—the Filipino athletes—who brought honor and recognition to the Philippines at the 19th Asian Games.
“More than just a personal feat, your victory has boosted our people’s morale. Nagdala kayo ng ligaya sa Pilipinas, marami tayong hinaharap na kung minsan ay nakakalungkot, ngunit dahil sa ginawa ninyo, nakangiti ang buong Pilipinas ‘nung kayo ay bumalik,” said the President, addressing the Filipino medalists, their coaches and families during the ‘Gabi ng Parangal at Pasasalamat Para sa Bayaning Atletang Pilipino’ held at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
The Chief Executive imparted that the Administration values the great influence that sports has in developing the society, that is why it remains relentless in supporting the nation’s athletes through initiatives and programs that promote sports development. He shared that the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is implementing the Five-Year Sports Development Plan 2023-2028 that aims to address the long-standing concerns of Filipino athletes by encouraging participation from all levels of government and the private sector.
He also cited other initiatives, including the assistance being provided to fix and refurbish the sports facilities in state universities and colleges, as well as the construction of the New Clark City as a sports hub where national athletes can utilize its training facilities for free, among others.
For future athletes who will represent the country, President Marcos Jr. also mentioned the establishment of the National Academy of Sports, which aims to promote the development of the athletic skills and talents of students through a secondary education program. He directed all concerned agencies to fast track the operationalization of the Academy to enable student athletes to immediately pursue training in their chosen sport.
“Sa ating mga atleta, heto, ganito ang ang hamon ko sa inyo: Keep aspiring, keep believing, keep working. Spare no effort to unlock your full potential and be the best versions of yourselves. Know fully well that the government and the entire nation is with you every single step of the way,” he added.
“With our continued unity and continuing collaboration with all aspects of all parts of society, we will not only secure more victories for athletes, but we will also build a stronger and better more prosperous [Philippines] that will house the great ambitions of younger generations,” President Marcos Jr. ended in his message.
Hosted by the Office of the President (OP), in collaboration with the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the ‘Gabi ng Parangal at Pasasalamat Para sa Bayaning Atletang Pilipino’ served as a grand welcome and awarding ceremony for Filipino medalists at the recently concluded Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
* * *