President Marcos Honors SEA Games Athletes with Enhanced Cash Rewards
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led a grand homecoming celebration for the Filipino athletes who competed in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games held in Thailand. The ceremony, titled "Parangal at Pasasalamat sa mga Bayaning Atleta", took place at the Foro de Intramuros in Manila on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
Doubling the Incentives for Medalists
During the event, President Marcos announced a significant boost in cash incentives for the SEA Games medalists. The Office of the President will match the rewards mandated under Republic Act 10699, effectively doubling the benefits. This means:
- Gold medalists will receive an additional PHP300,000 on top of existing incentives.
- Silver medalists are granted PHP150,000 extra.
- Bronze medalists get PHP60,000 in additional cash rewards.
These incentives are provided alongside support from the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
Celebrating National Pride and Achievements
President Marcos praised the athletes for their discipline, sacrifice, and contribution to nation-building. He highlighted that around 2,000 Filipino athletes, the country's largest SEA Games delegation to date, represented the Philippines in the regional meet last December.
"Pinagdiriwang natin ngayong araw ang dangal, tibay ng loob, at pambihirang kakayahan ng atletang Pilipino", Marcos stated, emphasizing the honor and resilience of Filipino athletes.
The Philippines secured a sixth-place finish with 277 medals, surpassing previous SEA Games tallies. "At sa pagtatapos ng kompetisyon, hindi naman ninyo kami binigo", the President remarked, acknowledging their impressive performance.
Recognizing Historic Feats and Broader Support
Marcos singled out athletes with historic achievements, including:
- Alex Eala, the first Filipina in 26 years to win a SEA Games gold in women's singles tennis.
- EJ Obiena, who secured his fourth SEA Games gold in men's pole vault.
- The Philippine Women's National Football Team, which won the country's first SEA Games gold in women's football.
Additionally, each medalist received a Presidential Citation, and PHP10,000 was awarded to athletes who won medals in other international competitions outside the SEA Games.
Strengthening Sports Development Commitments
The President reaffirmed the administration's dedication to sports development, citing expanded grassroots programs, improved facilities, and stronger support for athletes competing globally. "May medalya man o wala, panalo kayong lahat sa puso ng sambayanang Pilipino", he declared, emphasizing that all athletes are winners in the hearts of Filipinos.
Notable athletes like Agatha Wong, who won her sixth SEA Games gold in wushu, and five-time boxing gold medalist Eumir Marcial joined Marcos and officials at the Presidential table during the ceremony.
The event was attended by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, PSC Chairperson John Patrick Gregorio, and Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino, underscoring the collective support for Philippine sports.
