Metro Manila, Philippines — President Bongbong Marcos honored athletes who took part in the Paris 2024 Olympics during a special reception at Malacañang on Tuesday, August 13.
The First Family welcomed 17 of the 22 athletes shortly after their arrival at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.
“You have shown the spirit of the Filipino, the determination of a Filipino, and the excellence of the Filipino spirit. That’s what you have demonstrated for us today,” the president said during the reception.
Marcos said the journey to the Olympics is a collective effort between the athletes and support teams.
“All the support group over the years is not — hindi nangyari ito dahil noong last year nag-decide ka mag-sports, matagal-tagal ito. Lalabanan — you go through injury, you go to — ‘yung hindi ka makabiyahe dahil walang pambayad ng pamasahe to go abroad, to go to the international competitions. All of these… And yet you come through,” he said.
[Translation: All the support groups over the years—this didn’t happen just because you decided to pursue sports last year; this has been a long process. You face injuries, you deal with not being able to travel because there’s no money to pay for airfare to international competitions. All of these… And yet, you persevered]
The president announced that the government would provide ₱1 million in cash incentive to each Olympian and ₱500,000 to the coaching staff.
Boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas, both bronze medalists, each received ₱2 million.
Two-time gold medalist Carlos Yulo was awarded ₱20 million under the National Athletes, Coaches, and Trainers Benefits and Incentives Act.
Marcos vows technical support for athletes
Marcos acknowledged the challenges of athletes as they prepare for international competitions. He noted the need for a structured program to provide technical support to athletes.
“I want to be part of the development of sports in the Philippines. Naiwan-iwanan na tayo [We’re being left behind],” he said.
“If you consider all of these athletes who have done so well and made us so proud, there’s no official, technical support from the government,” Marcos added.
