President Marcos Announces Doubled Cash Rewards for SEA Games Medalists
In a significant boost to Philippine sports, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a doubling of cash incentives for Filipino athletes who secured medals at the 33rd South East Asian Games held in Thailand. This announcement was made during a homecoming celebration at Foro Intramuros in Manila, highlighting the government's commitment to recognizing athletic excellence.
Enhanced Financial Incentives for Medal Winners
Under the new directive from the Office of the President, gold medalists will now receive P300,000, a substantial increase aimed at rewarding their top-tier achievements. Silver medalists are set to gain P150,000, while bronze winners will be awarded P60,000. Importantly, these amounts are in addition to the existing cash incentives provided under Republic Act 10699, also known as the Athletes and Coaches Incentives Act, ensuring a more comprehensive support system for the nation's sports heroes.
Celebrating Philippine Success at the 33rd SEA Games
The Philippines delivered an impressive performance at the recent SEA Games, bringing home a total of 277 medals. This haul included:
- 50 gold medals
- 73 silver medals
- 154 bronze medals
President Marcos praised the athletes for their skill, resilience, and dedication in representing the country on the international stage. He also highlighted several historic achievements, such as:
- Alex Eala, who became the first Filipina in 26 years to win a SEA Games gold in women's singles tennis.
- EJ Obiena, who secured his fourth consecutive SEA Games gold in men's pole vault.
- The Philippine Women's National Football Team, which clinched the country's first-ever SEA Games football gold in the inaugural women's tournament.
Additional Support and Future Sports Development
Beyond the medal incentives, the President revealed that the Office of the President will provide ₱10,000 to each athlete who won in competitions not covered by the SEA Games, as an extra incentive. This move underscores a broader effort to support all Filipino competitors, regardless of the event.
In his speech, President Marcos emphasized the government's ongoing initiatives to enhance sports development across the Philippines. Key strategies include:
- Expanding grassroots and youth sports programs to nurture future talent.
- Increasing the number and quality of sports facilities nationwide.
- Strengthening support for athletes participating in global competitions.
The 33rd SEA Games saw over 1,500 Filipino athletes participate, marking the largest delegation in the country's history for the event. This milestone reflects the growing emphasis on sports as a vital part of national pride and development.
