Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 9) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday acknowledged the lack of government support for national athletes, as he assured them that his administration will do more to help them excel in their respective sports.
Marcos made the commitment as he led the awarding of incentives to the 32nd Southeast Asian Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games medalists from the country, whom he said had “limited resources.”
“I am always a little embarrassed when I see that we are not supporting our athletes and our coaches and our trainers, and all the support groups, even the families,” the president said in his speech in Malacañang.
The Philippines placed fifth in the overall medal tally for both sporting events. Filipinos bagged a total of 58 gold medals in the SEA Games in May, and 34 gold medals in the ASEAN Para Games in June, the Palace said.
“Sinasabi ko nga sa sarili ko, karamihan dyan ‘di natin natulungan [I tell myself that we weren’t able to help most of these athletes],” Marcos admitted. “Talagang kung saan-saan nalang kumukuha ng suporta. Nakakahiya [They had to ask for support from different sources. It’s embarrassing].”
Despite receiving little help from the state, however, Marcos said Filipinos continue to make a name in the global sports arena.
“Ang ganda-ganda parin ng resulta. Ang titibay parin, nakaka-proud parin. Pero isipin ninyo kung tulungan natin, isipin ninyo kung suportahan natin. ‘Yun ang pangarap ko, na mangyari ‘yan at masabi natin na dinala kayo namin sa mas mataas na standard para sa bawat ninyong sport at napalabas natin ang tunay na galing ng atletang Pilipino,” he said.
[Translation: The results are still outstanding. Our athletes endure, they continue to make us proud. But imagine if we give them support. That’s my dream, to be able to say we brought them to a higher standard in their sports and that we were able to bring out the true excellence of a Filipino athlete.]
Without going into detail, the chief executive said more help from the government can be expected moving forward – not only for athletes and coaches, but for everyone who help bring honor to the Philippines in international competitions.
“Asahan ninyo na sa administrasyon na ito ay gagawin natin ang lahat para masuportahan natin at ipalabas natin ang kagalingan, ang husay ng ating atleta,” Marcos said.
[Translation: Expect that this administration will do everything it can to support our athletes and highlight their greatness.]
On Wednesday evening, the Philippine Sports Commission and Communication Secretary Cheloy Garafil both confirmed that Marcos has doubled the incentives given to the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games athletes who brought home medals.
