Our being the over-all champion is a convincing proof that as long as we work as one, we will win as one.

With the outstanding performance of Team Philippines to emerge as overall champion in the recently-concluded 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games held in the country, President Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go kept their promise of recognizing the medalists in an awarding ceremony held at the Malacañang late Wednesday.

Coaches and athletes were handed cash incentives by the President aside from the bonuses under the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) Republic Act 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act and the incentive from the Philippine Olympic Committee.

The President has earlier promised P250,000 for a gold medal, P150,000 for a silver and P100,000 for a bronze. Team Philippines harvested a total of 387 medals in the regional sports meet with 149 gold, 117 silver and 121 bronze medals.

President Duterte also awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the rank of Kamagi Medal to all medalists recognizing their victories and the honor they brought to the country.

Go said that the result of the recent SEA Games was a reflection of how the current administration has provided support to athletes through its proper allocation of resources and focus on sports development programs.

“Our being the over-all champion is a convincing proof that as long as we work as one, we will win as one,” Go said.

“Since the start of the SEA Games, I called everyone to unite and support our athletes. If we help each other, there’s unity and the results will be good for the people,” he added.

The senator also praised the efforts of the government in funding the training of the players to ensure their international competitiveness. He said that the government has invested so much in programs, financial support and facilities to steer the athletes towards success.

Go, also the chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, also emphasized that there is a lot of undiscovered talent in the country. And with the bill proposing the creation of Philippine High School for Sports, which he introduced earlier this year, the country can harness the extraordinary skills in sports of more Filipinos.

Go also urged the government to continue enhancing its sports development programs particularly in providing sufficient support for local athletes and in promoting sports in the grassroots.

“Sports is a big help in developing our youth. They are taught values of discipline and hard work. At the same time, we are complementing our efforts of keeping them away from illegal drugs and crime, and making them productive citizens of our country,” Go said.

With the results of the 30th SEA Games, Go assured Filipinos that the Duterte administration will continue to support and recognize the efforts of the country’s athletes in representing the Philippines in the world stage.

“My heartfelt thanks to our national athletes who brought honor to our country. I salute them and also their coaches and trainers for preparing them in the competition,” he added.