Duterte to PSC: Find talented athletes among IPs, out-of-school youth

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday called on the Philippine Sports Commission to find talents among the indigenous communities and out-of-school youth.

At the awarding ceremony to the medalists of the 29th Southeast Asian Games, Duterte said that the Philippines’ hosting of the next SEA Games would be an opportunity to look for talented Filipino athletes all over the country.

“I enjoin the PSC to widen its scope and recruit nationwide. Look for them in non-traditional places and include members of the indigenous tribes and out-of-school youth,” he said.

“Let us give them a chance to hone their talent and live up to their fullest potentials,” he added.

Duterte led the awarding of cash incentives amounting to P25.2 million to the medalists.

Before beginning his speech, the President apologized to the guests for his tardiness. Duterte arrived at around 7:30 p.m. when the event was scheduled at 5 p.m.

“I am very sorry to be late here,” he said.

“Pero I was on time with the appointments only because of the individual presentation of their credentials or lettres de créance sa mga diplomats before—pagkatapos mag-tête-à-tête, chika-chika. Sometimes it takes longer,” he added.

Pres. Duterte arrives at the awarding ceremony of the 29th SEA Games medalists pic.twitter.com/AAH1TmpW8M

— Trisha Macas (@trishamacas) September 13, 2017

Aside from the meeting with the SEA Games podium finishers, Duterte welcomed new ambassadors from Belgium, Mexico, Italy, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Nigeria who presented their credentials.

He also witnessed the turnover of China’s P65 million donation to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. — BM, GMA News