Senator-elect Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday hailed President Rodrigo Duterte for doubling the cash incentives to Filipino athletes who won medals in the recently concluded 31st SEA Games Asian (SEA) Games held in Hanoi, Vietnam last month.
“I thank the President for his all-out support by continuously providing rewards to athletes not just today but in the past,” Cayetano said.
The former Speaker, who chaired the organizing committee for the 30th SEA Games which was hosted by the Philippines in 2019, said the additional incentives will go a long way in encouraging the country’s athletes to perform well in future events.
According to Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez, the President was “very pleased” by the performance of the Philippine athletes and doubling their incentives was “his way of recognizing and showing his appreciation for their efforts.”
Composed of 981 athletes, coaches, and officials, the Philippine team capped the SEA Games with 52 gold, 70 silver, and 105 bronze medals, for a total of 227.
During the courtesy call of the Philippine contingent in Malacañang on May 31, 2022, the President said he recognized “all the tedious preparations you have made to perform your best in this regional sports competition.”
Meanwhile, Cayetano reiterated his call for sufficient financial and educational support from the government to Filipino athletes.
“Sana ay maipatuloy ng susunod na administrasyon ang pagkilala sa mga tagumpay ng ating mga atleta by giving these incentives. Now more than ever, our athletes should be receiving more support from the government, given the exemplary performances they have shown in the 31st SEA Games,” he said.
He said he is confident that Filipino athletes will bring home medals again for the country, especially in the upcoming World Games in July 2022 in Hangzhou, China.
“The Philippine National Team can bring home glory and victories despite the challenges as long as the government will give them what they need and deserve,” Cayetano said.
