“The SEA Games are about regional camaraderie after all. Friendship and peaceful coexistence are more important than the medals.

For only the second time in Southeast Asian (SEA) Games history, the Philippines is again marching as the overall champion with plenty of hopes but with even more steps to take toward greatness.

The overall championship, however, is an unofficial crown. But it is always chased and is often hard to reach.

The biennial meet is the lowest in the totem pole of international multi-sports events our athletes take part in.

The Games are often a showcase of the 11-member SEA countries’ sporting prowess. Each member lobby for its sports’ inclusion, but the host country’s choices almost always get the nod from the rest.

Not every sport in the SEA Games is played by more countries outside of the region. The SEA members help each other promote their indigenous sports.

For example, the Philippines won 20 gold medals in Arnis, a sport which used to be ours alone. But it is continuously gaining worldwide attention. The SEA Games will continue pushing the sport until it gains an Olympic slot. That is the design of the Games.

It is the same with the other events being promoted by other SEA countries.

Beyond the competitions, agreements were made to let each other shine.

The SEA Games are about regional camaraderie after all.

Friendship and peaceful coexistence are more important than the medals. The Philippines’ hosting of the 30th edition of the Games is as vital as the agreements and treaties the countries make.

These do not diminish the importance of the Filipino athletes’ achievement, however. We take and live in glory when it is hard earned.

They have sacrificed more than blood, sweat and tears to contribute in building the country’s prestige, especially in these times when the nation’s image is under attack from many sides which want to interfere with our nationhood and identity.

The broken bones, the concussions, the bruises. The unspeakable training regimen no mortal could take. Only soldiers would equal what these warriors have given.

These athletes have saved the SEA Games.

Breaching the century-gold mark, the Philippines is assured of the overall championship for only the second time since it first achieved the same glory in 2005. The Philippines also hosted the Games that year.

Government deserved kudos for making it happen.

President Rodrigo Duterte’s marching order to Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William “Butch” Ramirez was to insulate the athletes from all the negativities that surrounded the hosting chore. Ramirez knew what to do.

The athletes came ready for their battles. They have been equipped with more than they have expected.

The PSC had spent more than a billion pesos to fund the athletes’ training here and abroad.

The coaches were also given proper funding to come ready for their athletes’ participation. No stone was left unturned in making sure they win when their chances come.

President Duterte also made sure Pagcor’s (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.) share to the government’s sports program is given in full and in right amounts. The PSC’s training program for the athletes and coaches never overflowed with cash than it did the previous months.

Ramirez had fought long for that. Mr. Duterte understood his long-time city sports administrator’s wish and granted it.

It is proof that proper spending could make miracles for this country.

Our SEA Games victory is just one of them.

But our drive to glory does not end today.

Non-Olympic sports will be weaned from the list and only a few Filipino athletes will compete in Tokyo next year.

The Asian Games are also beckoning our athletes to try harder in the Olympic sports that count outside the SEA region.

Let us savor our moment of triumph now. It seldom comes.

But don’t let our cheers die down, and let’s help boost our athletes’ future campaigns.

We are their wind. Let’s help them fly higher, faster and stronger.