Filipino athletes were rewarded with cash incentives following their victorious performance in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok last month.

No less than President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos led the distribution of the cash incentives, where he thanked the Filipino athletes for their love, dedication and sacrifices just to make the country proud in the prestigious biennial meet that was held from 9 to 20 December.

According to the Republic Act 10699 — or the National Athletes and Coaches Incentives Act — Filipino athletes stand to receive cash rewards of P300,000 for gold, P150,000 for silver and P60,000 for bronze medals that they won in the SEA Games.

But the Chief Executive doubled that amount using funds from the Office of the President and even gave P10,000 to other athletes who saw action in the regional competition.

It was a fruitful campaign for the Filipinos as they took home 50 gold, 73 silver and 154 bronze medals to finish sixth in the medal tally behind host country Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore.

The President, who sat next to First Lady Liza Marcos, Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, said it is only fitting for them to reward their hard work and sacrifices with financial compensation.

“We are celebrating today the honor, fortitude and exceptional ability of our Filipino athletes. Carrying our flag, they showed what our Filipino athletes can do on the international stage,” said Marcos during the “Parangal at Pasasalamat sa mga Bayaning Atleta: A Homecoming Celebration for the 33rd SEA Games Athletes” event at the Foro de Intramuros in Manila on Wednesday.

“We proudly recognize the skill and talent you have displayed. But, with or without medals, you all have won the hearts of the Filipino people.”

Filipino athletes truly had a lot of memorable moments in the SEA Games.

Alex Eala, in fact, broke the 26-year title drought of Filipina lawn tennis players while the Filipinas won their first ever SEA Games gold medal in women’s football event. Of course, Ernest John Obiena reassert his mastery in men’s pole vault as he clinched his fourth straight gold medal in record-breaking fashion while Gilas Pilipinas retained the men’s basketball title.

However, it was Filipino-Canadian swimmer Kayla Sanchez who emerged as the biggest winner after netting around P1.2 million for clinching three gold and five silver medals.

“We know that your sacrifice is priceless, but please accept it as a symbol of the Filipino people’s respect and gratitude for your heroism,” the President said, expressing hope that more Filipinos will be inspired to pursue a career in sports.