Marcos to PSC: Make PH sports an 'inclusive, unifying force'

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Wednesday urged the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to make sports in the Philippines an "inclusive and unifying force." 

In his speech during the awarding of incentives to medalists of the 4th Asian Para Games, Marcos lauded the para athletes who have brought home a rich haul of 19 medals and brought the Philippines to 9th place during the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China last October 2023.

''You have done that by showing your country the image of what a dauntless Filipino should be. You have projected that adversity can be overcome, impairment can harness inspiration, and barriers can be bridges to triumphs,'' Marcos said. 

''So, now I call on the PSC, as well as every sports association and community in the country to continue breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, building a nation where sports serve as an inclusive and unifying force,'' he added. 

Marcos stressed that sports are a form of unity that can be applied in real life.

''It brings together our very best traits: that of passion, endurance, and persistence amidst very great diversity. These are values which any Filipino may embody, regardless of their circumstances,'' the President said. 

''These are the values upon which the foundations of our nation are anchored,'' he added. 

Marcos said the government would continue boosting support for the country's athletes, their coaches, and their families. He said the administration is also building athletic infrastructure, from gyms, athletic ovals, even safe sidewalks for the athletes. 

Meanwhile, PSC chairman Richard Bachmann said the agency is most grateful for the support from the Philippine government following the success of the sports industry in 2023. 

“As we enter the Centennial Year of the country since joining the Olympics, we are
committed to doubling our work in continuing the cycle of our athletes’ success,” Bachmann said in a separate press release.

The Philippine government awarded incentives to the victorious para athletes from the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China last year as mandated by Republic Act 10699 or the Expanded National Athletes and Coaches Incentives and Benefits Act.

The country collected a total of 10 gold, 4 silver, and 5 bronze medals, placing 9th in the
overall medal tally. 

A total of P19.5 million was given as bonuses to the triumphant para athletes, the PSC said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News