Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
May 31, 2022

“It is not every day that I get to mingle with the Philippine team, so let me take this chance to express my appreciation for all the medalists’ and other athletes’ record-breaking feats — I salute you for showcasing your talents and giving your best, despite limitations in your training due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” President Rodrigo Roa Duterte stated as he led the recognition of Filipino medalists in the recently concluded 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games held in Hanoi, Vietnam.

During the ceremonial event at Malacañan Palace, the President conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the Rank of Kamagi to the medalists and turned over the incentives to the athlete representatives.  He also received the National Team Jacket from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

“I deeply thank you for representing the country with resiliency, excellence, and sportsmanship, and for bringing pride and honor to the Filipino people amidst the challenges that you had to face in these uncertain times.  I thus encourage the Filipino youth to engage in sports and other productive activities, for this will teach them the distinct values of the Filipino and, at the same time, will uphold the country’s distinction as among the most competitive athletes in the global community,” President Duterte said in his keynote speech.

The Chief Executive also lauded the PSC and all the coaches for their unwavering support in ensuring that the athletes are in prime condition to compete in the 31st SEA Games.  Likewise, he urged the PSC and other sports bodies to continue extending their full assistance to the athletes in order to keep them motivated in aiming for more victories in the future.

“As we unite our efforts to achieve real and lasting change in our society, it is my hope that, even beyond my term, our athletes will continue to uphold the competence, discipline, and commitment that we Filipinos are known all over the world.  Our individual success is the success of our beloved Philippines.  Let us all be inspired by this era of new hope and work as one team for a more progressive and inclusive Philippines,” President Duterte emphasized.

The Philippines hauled a total of 226 medals in the 31st SEA Games, finishing in fourth spot among 11 nations.

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