President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday presented cash incentives to the medal-winning athletes in the recently concluded 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, recognizing their dedication and excellence in bringing pride to the nation.
President Marcos led the โParangal at Pasasalamat sa mga Bayaning Atleta: A Homecoming Celebration for the 33rd SEA Games Athletesโ held at the Foro de Intramuros in Manila, where he commended the delegation for their strong performance.
Team Philippines won a total of 277 medals (50 gold, 73 silver, and 154 bronze), exceeding the medal haul in the last two SEA Games, and placing the country sixth overall in the latest edition of the biennial competition held in Thailand from December 9 to 20, 2025.
โPinagdiriwang natin ngayong araw ang dangal, tibay ng loob, at pambihirang kakayahan ng atletang Pilipinoโฆ Dala ang bandila ng ating bansa, pinakita ninyo kung ano ang kayang marating ng atletang Pilipino,โ the President said.
โBuong pagmamalaki naming kinikilala ang husay at galing na ipinamalas ninyo. Ngunit, may medalya man o wala, panalo kayong lahat sa puso ng sambayanang Pilipino,โ the President added.
President Marcos said the Office of the President will match the cash incentives provided to the winning athletes in accordance with Republic Act No. 10699 or the โNational Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Actโ which awards gold medalists PhP 300,000; silver medalists, PhP 150,000, and bronze medalists, PhP 60,000.
The Chief Executive lauded the historic achievements of Filipino athletes during the 33rd SEA Games.
President Marcos acknowledged Alex Eala, the first Filipina to win a SEA Games gold medal in womenโs singles tennis in 26 years; EJ Obiena, who captured his fourth consecutive SEA Games gold medal in the menโs pole vault; and the Philippine Womenโs National Football Team, which made history by winning the Philippinesโ first SEA Games football gold in the inaugural SEA Games football tournament for women.
The President said the OP will also give PhP10,000 each for athletes who won in competitions other than the SEA Games.
โBatid nating walang katumbas na halaga ang inyong sakripisyo, ngunit tanggapin ninyo ito bilang simbolo ng pagpupugay at pasasalamat ng mamamayang Pilipino sa inyong kabayanihan,โ the President said.
The Chief Executive underscored ongoing efforts to improve the quality of sports development in the country, expressing hope that more Filipinos will be inspired to pursue a career in sports.
โPinapalawak natin ang grassroots and youth sports programs, dinadagdagan natin ang mga kinakailangang pasilidad, at mas pinapalakas pa natin ang suporta sa mga atletang lumalahok sa pandaigdigang entablado,โ said the President.
Over 1,500 Filipino athletes joined the SEA Games, making it the largest Philippine delegation in the history of the competition. | PND
