Rody fuels Olympic drive

So I have another P100 million. I’m very strict about money that it must be accounted up to the last centavo.

President Rodrigo Duterte allotted P100 million for the national athletes’ training for next year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

The Chief Executive said the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation pledged this amount during the handover of cash incentives of the medalists in the recently concluded 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games at the Rizal Hall in Malacañang Wednesday night.

“So I have another P100 million. I’m very strict about money that it must be accounted up to the last centavo,” he said of Pagcor’s commitment.

“That’s not mine, so I will give it. And for the good and the interest of our country,” he added.

President Duterte handed out close to P79 million cash incentives to medalists of the 30th SEA Games following the country’s successful hosting of the biennial meet.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Cong. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) chairman and House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go assisted the President in the distribution of cash incentives.

The Philippines won the overall crown after bagging 149 golds, 117 silvers and 121 bronze medals in the biennial meet, which the country hosted from 30 November to 11 December.

In his speech, President Duterte promised to fully support Filipino athletes following their successful campaign in the SEA Games, particularly in their future international competitions.

The Chief Executive said he would talk to lawmakers to give the athletes additional benefits particularly the granting of allowances during training.

The President added he was proud of the Filipino athletes, praising them for reigning over their neighbors in Southeast Asia.

“I am deeply honored to be in the presence of our athletes who have emerged victorious in the recently concluded 30th Southeast Asian Games held in our country,” the President said.

“The blood, sweat and tears that you have shed to earn this prestigious recognition is truly inspiring.

“I thus take this opportunity to congratulate everyone who played an integral part in its success. This outcome serves as a testament to the great things we can achieve when we work together,” he added.

The President, at the same time, said is hopeful that the milestone lights the torch for the nation’s renaissance in athletic glory, encouraging everyone to continue supporting Filipino athletes who embody excellence, superiority and teamwork.

The President also commended the people behind the successful staging of the binnial meet.

“Through our distinct brand of Filipino resilience and determination to succeed, the diligence of our organizing committee officials and partners, technical teams and our athletes, we have ensured that we would host the SEA Games with aplomb,” the President said.

“With 149 golds, 117 silvers and 121 bronzes for a total of 387 medals, the Philippines emerged as the overall champion of the Games, our best since we last (hosted).

“Your triumph showcases the athleticism and sporting prowess of our people to our neighbors in Southeast Asia. Together, let us maximize and harness our individual capacities as we actively contribute to building a stronger and prosperous society for the benefit of the future generations of Filipinos,” he added.