Marcos grants cash incentives to SEA Games athletes

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday announced cash incentives for athletes who competed in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

Speaking at the Parangal at Pasasalamat sa mga Bayaning Atleta: A Homecoming Celebration for the 33rd SEA Games Athletes held at the Foro de Intramuros in Manila, Marcos said gold medalists will receive P300,000, silver medalists P150,000, and bronze medalists P60,000.

Athletes who did not secure medals will also receive P10,000 each, funded by the Office of the President, in accordance with Republic Act No. 10699, or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.

Team Philippines won a total of 277 medals—50 gold, 73 silver, and 154 bronze—surpassing the country’s medal haul in the previous two SEA Games. The Philippines placed sixth overall in the biennial meet held in Thailand from 9 to 20 December 2025.

“Pinagdiriwang natin ngayong araw ang dangal, tibay ng loob, at pambihirang kakayahan ng atletang Pilipino… Dala ang bandila ng ating bansa, pinakita ninyo kung ano ang kayang marating ng atletang Pilipino,” the President said.

“Buong pagmamalaki naming kinikilala ang husay at galing na ipinamalas ninyo. Ngunit, may medalya man o wala, panalo kayong lahat sa puso ng sambayanang Pilipino,” he added.

Marcos lauded what he described as the historic achievements of Filipino athletes during the 33rd SEA Games, citing the performances of tennis player Alex Eala, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, and the Philippine Women’s National Football Team.

Eala became the first Filipina in 26 years to win a SEA Games gold medal in women’s singles tennis, while Obiena clinched his fourth straight SEA Games gold in the men’s pole vault. The women’s football team, meanwhile, secured the country’s first SEA Games football gold in the inaugural women’s tournament.

“Batid nating walang katumbas na halaga ang inyong sakripisyo, ngunit tanggapin ninyo ito bilang simbolo ng pagpupugay at pasasalamat ng mamamayang Pilipino sa inyong kabayanihan,” the President said.

Marcos also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen sports development nationwide, expressing hope that more Filipinos will be encouraged to pursue careers in sports.

“Pinapalawak natin ang grassroots and youth sports programs, dinadagdagan natin ang mga kinakailangang pasilidad, at mas pinapalakas pa natin ang suporta sa mga atletang lumalahok sa pandaigdigang entablado,” he said.

More than 1,500 Filipino athletes competed in the SEA Games, marking the largest Philippine delegation in the history of the regional sporting event.