MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the distribution of additional cash incentives to Filipino athletes who won medals at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand, effectively doubling the rewards provided under Republic Act 10699.
The incentives were handed out during the “Parangal at Pasasalamat sa mga Bayaning Atleta” ceremony at the Foro de Intramuros in Manila on Wednesday morning.
“Pinagdiriwang natin ngayong araw ang dangal, tibay ng loob, at pambihirang kakayahan ng atletang Pilipino,” Marcos said in his address.
The President said around 2,000 athletes represented the Philippines in the regional meet last December, the country’s largest SEA Games delegation to date.
“At sa pagtatapos ng kompetisyon, hindi naman ninyo kami binigo,” he said, citing the country’s sixth-place overall finish and a total of 277 medals.
Under the incentive program, the Office of the President matched the cash rewards mandated under RA 10699, granting P300,000 to gold medalists, P150,000 to silver medalists, and P60,000 to bronze medalists.
These were given on top of incentives from the Philippine Sports Commission, with support from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.
Each medalist also received a Presidential Citation. Athletes who won medals in other international competitions outside the SEA Games were given P10,000.
Marcos also recognized athletes with notable achievements, including Alex Eala, EJ Obiena, and the Philippine Women’s National Football Team.
“May medalya man o wala, panalo kayong lahat sa puso ng sambayanang Pilipino,” Marcos said./PN
