The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
President Rodrigo Duterte personally awarded the 227 Filipino athletes who won medals at the recent Vietnam 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games with mandated financial incentives.
The winning Filipino athletes were received by the President at Malacanang exactly a month before he steps down.
“I’m so proud of you. You did a good job,” President Duterte told the medalists who were joined by Philippine Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez.
“Please know that I really recognize all the tedious preparations you have made to perform your best in this regional sports competition,” he said. “Just like a father to every Filipino, I am very proud of you.”
“I’m very happy that we collected a lot of medals. We should be proud of our athletes regardless if they won a medal or not,” he said. “It’s not just about winning but giving the country [positive] image.”
Tolentino thanked President Duterte for his act of generosity even when he’s about to finish his term.