Ceremonial Hall, Malacañan Palace
August 13, 2024
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. awarded additional financial remunerations on top of the incentives for Olympic medalists, as well as other Olympians and their coaches, at a reception dinner during the ‘Pagbibigay Dangal: A Heroes’ Welcome Celebration for the Philippines’ Paris 2024 Olympians’ at the Ceremonial Hall in Malacañan Palace.
In his message, the President began by lightheartedly sharing his complaints about losing sleep for two weeks to watch the various Olympic events, but affirmed that the sleepless nights were worth it.
“Alam naman natin na hindi talaga, walang mananalo na atleta na hindi suportado ng katakot-takot na karaming tao na walang iniisip kung papaano kayo tulungan para maging successful. And ito ‘yung ating kinikilala ngayon,” he said, emphasizing the collective effort and sacrifices of the athletes, their coaches, trainers, nutritionists and families.
“Kahit sinong atleta dito sa Pilipinas o kung saan man lang, na makapag-qualify sa Olympics, mabigat ‘yun. That is an extremely difficult achievement to manage,” he said, announcing that each Olympian who competed, regardless of their medal status, will receive PhP1 million. Moreover, the Office of the President (OP) will match the same amount of financial incentives given to Olympic medalists under the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, and provide PhP500,000 to the coaching staff.
“Hihingi ako ng paumanhin ninyo dahil maliit lang at alam ko na ‘yung isang milyong piso halimbawa ay ikumpara mo sa inyong sakripisyo, ikumpara ninyo sa inyong pinagdaanan, ikumpara ninyo, napakaliit lang. Pero ngayon lang ito ‘yung gagawin natin,” he added.
Furthermore, the Chief Executive expressed his commitment to the development of sports in the Philippines. He acknowledged the lack of formal support structures from the government and vowed to establish a comprehensive system to support athletes better.
“They did it on their own, siyempre mayroong tumutulong. Kung minsan ‘yung gobyerno nakakatulong. Pero walang pormal na istraktura para tulungan ‘yung ating mga atleta. And that’s what we are going to establish now,” he said, calling on the athletes and sports organizations to communicate their needs and challenges in training and preparation. He also emphasized the importance of working together to prepare for future international competitions, not just the Olympics.
“You tell us and hopefully, if we really work together and start to prepare for not only the Olympics… We start to prepare for all the international competitions that we have that are there before us… And I’m sure na magkikita ulit tayo rito sa palasyo,” he said in concluding his message.
As part of the ‘heroes’ welcome celebration, athletes are set to hold a heroes’ parade on August 14 (Wednesday) commencing at the Aliw Theater. The parade is expected to pass by Roxas Boulevard and Padre Burgos Avenue, then proceed to Taft Avenue and continue to President Quirino Avenue before concluding at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. It is worth noting that this is where Carlos Edriel Yulo, the two-time Paris Olympic gold medalist, began his Olympic journey as a 10-year-old gymnast.
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