Ceremonial Hall, Malacañan Palace
August 9, 2023

“The most important thing that we demonstrate, that you demonstrated as you competed in these tournaments, in these games, was to show the strength of the Filipino spirit, the grace of the Filipino character and the passion of the Filipino heart,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conveyed in assuring the Administration’s commitment to fully supporting the welfare and progress of every Filipino athlete who continue to bring honor to the Philippines.

The President made these remarks during the awarding of incentives to athletes who competed in the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and the 12th ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia, where he vowed to continuously provide for the needs of athletes in order to help them succeed in international sporting events.

“Lagi nating sinasabi pinagmamalaki namin kayo. Totoo naman. Ipinagmamalaki namin kayo. Dapat naman, susuklian naman namin ang inyong ginawang sakripisyo, ang inyong dinala na dangal para sa ating mahal na Pilipinas,” he said.

Through incentives and other forms of recognition, President Marcos Jr. hopes to bring out the best in every Filipino athlete by strengthening the government’s support in the sports sector that transcends generations.

“Isipin ninyo kung tulungan natin. Isipin ninyo kung suportahan natin. ‘Yun ang pangarap ko. Mangyari yan at masabi natin na dinala kayo namin sa mas mataas na standard sa inyong bawat sport at naipalabas natin ang tunay na galing ng atletang Pilipino,” the President remarked.

Over 900 athletes competed in the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia last May and June 2023. The Philippines placed fifth in the overall medal tally for both sporting events, winning a total of 58 and 34 gold medals, respectively.

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