(Eagle News) – President Rodrigo Duterte gave millions of pesos in cash incentives to the Filipino athletes who became the pride of the Philippines in the recent 29th Southeast Asian Games for winning medals for the country in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Duterte gave the cash incentives to the athletes who won 24 gold medals, 33 silver and 64 bronze medals at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall in Malacanan.
The athletes also received presidential citations for their feats in the biennial multi-sporting event.
Duterte to PSC: Widen search for more athletes
The President also directed the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to widen its search for athletes who will represent the country in the next SEA games that will be held here.
Duterte directed the PSC to look for athletes in non-traditional places and include members of the indigenous tribes and out-of-school youth.
“Let us give them a chance to hone their talent and live up to their fullest potentials,” he said.
The Philippines will be hosting the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019.
In his speech, the President expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the athletes who represented the Philippines in the recently concluded SEA games.
“I congratulate you all, especially our medalists, for the accomplishment that has brought honor to the country.
Through hard work and discipline, you have prevailed and made our nation proud,” President Duterte said.
The Chief Executive also congratulated Malaysia for successfully hosting the 29th SEA games, noting that the event is a symbol of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ commitment to strengthen partnership and cooperation towards a common goal of a more prosperous and united region.
Support for PHL sports
“I hope we will continue to foster this spirit of goodwill and sportsmanship,” he said.
Duterte assured that the government and the Filipino people will support the athletes “every step of the way.”
“Continue to represent the best of what the Philippines has to offer, here and abroad. Make us proud again,” he said.
According to the PSC, a total of P18,037,500 was given to the athletes, while another P7,181,250 was given to their coaches.
According to Republic Act 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, SEA Games gold medalists would receive P300,000; silver medalists, P150,000; and bronze medalists, P60,000.
(Eagle News Service)
