Duterte to Asian Games athletes: Do your best

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday rallied behind the athletes who will be competing in the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia, urging them to do their best for flag and country.

The Philippines will field a total of 272 athletes in 35 sports, including Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz for the continental event slated for August 18 to September 2 in the Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Palembang. 

"All I ask from you is that you do your best and that you do it fair and square. In return, trust that we in government will continue to support the development of our athletes and intensify our commitment towards sports excellence, global competitiveness and the greater glory of your country, the Philippines," the President said in a speech during the sendoff ceremony in Malacañang.

"Every victory you bring back home is shared by the entire nation."

Pres. Duterte with the Philippine team to the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta @gmanews pic.twitter.com/KxKyNCocoY

— Joseph Morong (@Joseph_Morong) August 13, 2018

Duterte hailed the athletes for their dedication and commitment to their respective sports and acknowledged the sacrifices they went through in order to get a spot on the national team. 

"Your presence here is a testament to the indomitable Filipino spirit that each of you embodies," he said, as he reminded the athletes that they are not only competing for themselves "but also carrying with you the pride of your families, your communities, and the entire Filipino nation."

Philippine team gives Pres. Duterte jacket in today’s send off of Asian Games athletes @gmanews pic.twitter.com/2sPR0VoVSd

— Joseph Morong (@Joseph_Morong) August 13, 2018

During the event, sports officials led by Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas gave Duterte the Team Philippines jacket. Duterte wore the jacket up until the end of the program.

A solitary gold, three silvers and 11 bronzes marked the Philippines' campaign in the 2014 edition in South Korea, the country's worst showing in the quadrennial sports meet since the 1990 Beijing Asiad where the country had a 1-2-7 haul. — RSJ/BM, GMA News