Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
18 July 2016

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the send-off for the Philippine delegation competing in the Rio Olympics 2016 at the Rizal Hall inside the Malacañan Palace.

The President spoke about the natural resilience and determination of Filipinos against adversity and competition, and spoke about giving Filipino athletes better treatment through a bigger budget collected from missing and misappropriated funds.

He also talked about the administration’s war on crime and said that he would not back down in the face of threats and critics.

The President finished his speech by announcing an increase in the Philippine Olympic athletes’ allowance from $1,000 to $3,000 and that of officials from $3,000 to $5,000.

The Filipino athletes who will be competing in the Rio Olympics include Eric Shawn Cray and Mary Joy Tabal in Track and Field; Marestella Torres in the Long Jump; Rogen Ladon and Charly Suarez in Boxing; Miguel Tabuena and Dottie Ardina in Golf; Jessie Lacuna and Jasmine Alkhaldi in Swimming; Ian Lariba in Table Tennis; Kirstie Alora in Taekwondo; and Nestor Colonia with Hidilyn Diaz in Weightlifting.

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