PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday urged Filipino athletes to continue breaking barriers and making sports a unifying force in the country as he recognized their achievements and contributions, including the recent victories of Filipino para-athletes in the 4th Asian Para Games in China.
The President led the awarding of incentives to the para-athletes and their coaches who brought home a total of 19 medals — 10 gold, four silver, and five bronze — as the Philippines finished 9th overall out of the 44 countries during the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China last October.
“I call on the PSC (Philippine Sports Commission), 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. In so doing, we can look forward to a new Philippines, Bagong Pilipinas, that is bound by the ideals of industry, integrity, and teamwork, and committed to the pursuit of greatness and excellence,” Marcos said.
He also urged the para-athletes to continue to inspire others, saying that if people with disabilities can achieve so much and surpass any challenges, what more can other Filipinos do.
He said the Filipino para athletes have shown the 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. If you can do it, the Filipinos can. If the Philippine Para-athletic National Team can, the Philippines can, the new Philippines can,” he added.
The President gave a total of P13.45 million to the para athletes who won medals under Republic Act 10699 or the Incentives Act.
The PSC said it distributed P19.4 million in cash incentives — P1 million to the gold medalists, P500,000 to the silver medalists and P200,000 to the bronze medal awardees.
“So, as we hand these to you, remember that these are not merely monetary tokens. They are symbols of the love of your countrymen and their admiration for all the sacrifices that you have made for your country and for your countrymen,” Marcos said.
He emphasized the important role of sports in the nation’s development and unity as he renewed his commitment to support Filipino athletes, their coaches, and their families.
He said apart from the cash incentives, his administration is building more athletic infrastructure such as gyms, athletic ovals, and even safe sidewalks for ordinary citizens.