President Duterte hands over cash incentives to SEA Games medalists

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte poses for a photo with the 29th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) Philippine Team gold medalists during the awarding ceremony in Malacañan Palace on September 13, 2017. Also in the photo are Philippine Olympic Committee President Jose Cojuangco Jr., Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez, and Presidential Adviser for Sports Dennis Uy. KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the awarding rites on Wednesday, September 13, for Filipino athletes who won in the 29th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Chief Executive gave cash incentives to athletes who won 24 gold medals, 33 silver, and 64 bronze at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall in Malacañan.

The medalists received presidential citations for their feats in the biennial multi-sporting event.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte poses with the 29th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) Philippine Team silver medalists during an awarding ceremony in Malacañan Palace on September 13, 2017. Also in the photo are Philippine Olympic Committee President Jose Cojuangco Jr., Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez, and Presidential Adviser for Sports Dennis Uy. KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

In his speech, the President expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the athletes who have 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.

Bronze Group 1 : President Rodrigo Roa Duterte poses with the 29th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) Philippine Team bronze medalists during an awarding ceremony in Malacañan Palace on September 13, 2017. Also in the photo are Philippine Olympic Committee President Jose Cojuangco Jr., Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez, and Presidential Adviser for Sports Dennis Uy. KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
Bronze Group 2 : President Rodrigo Roa Duterte poses with the 29th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) Philippine Team bronze medalists during an awarding ceremony in Malacañan Palace on September 13, 2017. Also in the photo are Philippine Olympic Committee President Jose Cojuangco Jr., Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez, and Presidential Adviser for Sports Dennis Uy. KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

The Chief Executive also congratulated Malaysia for successfully hosting the 29th Southeast Asian 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.

“I hope we will continue to foster this spirit of goodwill and sportsmanship,” he said.

As the Philippines will host the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019, the President urged the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to widen its scope and recruit nationwide.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte poses with the coaches and officials of the 29th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) Philippine Team, as well as with officers of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Siklab Atleta Pilipinas, during an awarding ceremony in Malacañan Palace on September 13, 2017. Also in the photo are Philippine Olympic Committee President Jose Cojuangco Jr., Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, PSC Chairman William Ramirez, and Presidential Adviser for Sports Dennis Uy. KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Duterte directed the agency 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.

At the same time, the President encouraged the country’s athletes to focus on improving their skills and to strive to do better in the next SEA Games.

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. (PND)

Popular

MRT-3, LRT-2 logs highest post-pandemic riderships due to PBBM’s ‘Libreng Sakay’

By Brian Campued Over 1.2 million passengers benefitted from the government's “libreng sakay” program on Wednesday following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, according to...

PBBM honors laborers, assures them of further gov’t support

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet In a Labor Day message on Thursday, May 1, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. honored Filipino workers whom he described as...

PH, New Zealand ink visiting forces deal to bolster defense ties

By Brian Campued The Philippines and New Zealand on Wednesday signed the treaty documents for the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), which would enable...

All residents eligible for P20/kg rice on May 1 Cebu rollout — Palace

By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency Everyone, regardless of income status, will be eligible to purchase rice at P20 per kilo on May...