PBBM vows continued support to Filipino athletes

RECOGNIZING FILIPINO ATHLETES. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the awarding of incentives to the Filipino athletes who bagged medals at the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and the 12th ASEAN Para Games on Wednesday (Aug. 9, 2023) in a ceremony at Malacañan Palace in Manila. In his speech, Marcos assured the athletes of continued government support. (PNA photo by Alfred Frias)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday emphasized the importance of government support and assistance to all Filipino athletes to keep them motivated and help them excel in their future sports competitions.

During the ceremonial awarding of incentives to Filipino medalists in the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and the 12th ASEAN Para Games, Marcos heaped praises on the athletes for their achievements despite the challenges they are currently facing.

Marcos said he was “a little embarrassed” to admit that the government failed to extend full support to the Filipino athletes, their coaches and trainers, and all the support groups.

“Considering the honor and the pride that you bring to the Philippines, it seems that it is not commensurate with the great service that you do to our country and to our people,” he said in a speech delivered at Malacañan Palace in Manila.

“Lagi nating sinasabi pinagmamalaki namin kayo. Totoo naman. Pinagmamalaki namin kayo. Dapat naman susuklian naman namin ang inyong ginawang sakripisyo, ang inyong dinalang dangal para sa ating mahal na Pilipinas. Kaya asahan ninyong sa administrasyon na ito, gagawin natin ang lahat para masuportahan natin at ipalabas natin ang kagalingan, ang husay ng ating atleta (We always say we are proud of you. It’s true. We are proud of you. We must reciprocate the sacrifice you made, the honor you brought for our beloved Philippines. So, expect that under this administration, we will do everything to support and bring out the excellence, the skill of our athlete),” he added.

Marcos said the Filipino athletes have proved that limitations in training are not a hindrance to showcasing their talents in international sports competitions.

Although they have limited resources, athletes continue to bring pride and honor to the country, Marcos said.

“Today, we are fortunate to welcome the latest in a long list of triumphant heroes in Philippine sports. Athletes from the Philippines have surpassed the competition and brought out the best version of themselves, becoming examples of supportive prowess for our nation and the rest of the world,” he said.

“But I think the most important thing 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. And that is what comes out with the results, with what you have been able to do.”

Marcos said his dream is to set a “higher standard” for Philippine sports to bring out the true talent of Filipino athletes.

Over 900 athletes competed in the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia in May and June this year.

Represented by 840 athletes, the Philippines placed fifth in the overall medal tally for the 32nd SEA Games held in Cambodia in May. The country amassed 58 gold, 85 silver and 117 bronze medals.

The Philippines also ranked fifth overall in the 12th ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia in June, collecting 34 gold, 33 silver, and 50 bronze medals.