Marcos fetes Asian Games medalists: 'Your victory has boosted our people’s morale'

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Wednesday recognized the achievements of Filipino athletes who recently competed in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

In a speech he delivered at the "Gabi ng Parangal at Pasasalamat para sa mga Bayaning Atletang Pilipino," the welcome and awarding ceremonies for Asian Games medalists at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Marcos thanked the athletes for bringing pride and honor to the country.

"On behalf of a proud and a grateful nation, I salute and I recognize the excellent performance that you displayed in the 19th Asian Games," Marcos told athletes.

The president also recognized the efforts of those who were part of the athletes' training such as coaches and staff.

"But more than just a personal feat, your victory has boosted our people’s morale," he said.

"?Nagdala kayo ng ligaya sa Pilipinas. Marami tayong hinaharap na kung minsan ay nakakalungkot. Ngunit, dahil sa ginawa ninyo, nakangiti ang buong PIlipinas noong kayo ay bumalik galing sa 19th Asian Games. Mataas ang morale ng Pinoy ngayon, lalo na kayo, kayong mga bata, 'yung mga magiging atleta rin, 'yan ang magandang halimbawa, 'yan ang ating mga idol."

Marcos said his administration supports efforts on sports development and cited the Philippine Sports Commission's Five-Year Sports Development Plan from 2023 to 2028.

"This Plan aims to address the long-standing concerns of Filipino athletes by encouraging participation in all levels of government and the private sector, ensuring – para makatiyak tayo na nandiyan ang suporta para sa ating mga atleta, ating mga sports association, at pinapaganda ang lahat ng nakikilahok sa sports at every level."

The president also cited government efforts such as the National Academy of Sports and the development of the New Clark City in Tarlac in helping the development of national athletes.

"Sa ating mga atleta, ito, ganito ang hamon ko sa inyo: Keep aspiring, keep believing, keep working. Spare no effort to unlock your full potential and be the best versions of yourselves. Know fully well that the government and the entire nation is with you every single step of the way," he said.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my hope that the individual victories that we honor now will inspire our collective vision and pursuits for the future."

During the ceremony, each medalist were given a Presidential Citation in recognition of their achievement. Incentives handed out through the PSC and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation amounted to P19.1 million, while incentives from the Office of the President collectively amounted to P22.8 million.

The Philippines had a total of 18 medals from the Asiad, led by the four gold medals of pole vaulter EJ Obiena, jiu-jitsu's Meggie Ochoa and Annie Ramirez, and the historic men's basketball gold of Gilas Pilipinas.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News