Duterte hails SEA Games medalists, hands out incentives

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday lauded the Filipino athletes who joined the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games held in Hanoi, Vietnam.

During the ceremonial event in Malacañang, the Filipino medalists received the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the Rank of Kamagi in recognition of their feat in the recently concluded regional games.

The athletes and their coaches also received cash incentives as mandated by law.

“Just like a father to every Filipino, I am very proud of you. It is not everyday that I get to mingle with the Philippine team so let me take this chance to express my appreciation for all the medalists and all the athletes' record-breaking feats,” Duterte said in his speech.

“I salute you for showcasing your talents and giving your best despite the limitations in your training due to COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.

Duterte thanked the athletes for representing the country with “resiliency, excellence, and sportsmanship and for bringing pride and honor to the Filipinos” amid challenges and uncertain times.

The Philippines ended its stint in the 31st SEA Games one place short of its goal, finishing fourth overall in the Games hosted by Vietnam from May 12 to 23.

The country copped 52 gold medals, 70 silver, and 104 bronze behind overall champion and host Vietnam, which tallied with 446 medals —205 gold, 125 silver and 116 bronze.

Republic Act 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Incentives and Benefits Act rewards a Filipino athlete P300,000 for every individual gold medal won while the value of a silver and bronze are P150,000 and P60,000, respectively.

Coaches of podium finishers will get 50 percent of the amount of cash bonuses their athletes received. For team cash incentives, a team of four or less will receive the equivalent of the corresponding individual medal they had won while each member of a team with five members or more are entitled to 25 percent of the individual medal’s worth.

The President also encouraged the Filipino youth to join sports and other productive activities that will uphold the country’s distinction among the competitive athletes in the global community.

Duterte urged the Philippine Sports Commission and other sports bodies to extend their full assistance to Filipino athletes in the succeeding competitions.

“As we unite our efforts to achieve real and lasting change in our society, it is my hope that even beyond my term, our athletes will continue to uphold the competence, discipline and commitment that we Filipinos are known all over the world,” he said.

“Our individual success is a success of our beloved Philippines. Let us all be inspired by this era of new hope and work as one team for a more progressive and inclusive Philippines,” he added.—LDF, GMA News