President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday presented cash incentives to the medal-winning athletes of the recently concluded 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, recognizing their dedication and excellence in bringing pride and honor to the nation.

President Marcos led 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, where he commended Team Philippines for its strong and inspiring performance in the biennial regional meet.

The Philippine delegation won a total of 277 medals—50 gold, 73 silver, and 154 bronze—surpassing the country’s medal haul in the last two SEA Games and placing sixth overall in the competition held in Thailand from December 9 to 20, 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.

President Marcos announced that the Office of the President (OP) will match the cash incentives granted to the medalists in accordance with Republic Act No. 10699, or the “National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act,” which provides PhP300,000 for gold medalists, PhP150,000 for silver medalists, and PhP60,000 for bronze medalists.

The Chief Executive lauded the historic achievements of Filipino athletes during the 33rd SEA Games, citing several standout performances.

Among those recognized were Alex Eala, the first Filipina in 26 years to win a SEA Games gold medal in women’s singles tennis; EJ Obiena, who secured his fourth consecutive SEA Games gold medal in the men’s pole vault; and the Philippine Women’s National Football Team, which clinched the country’s first-ever SEA Games football gold in the inaugural women’s football tournament.

The President also announced that the OP will grant PhP10,000 each to Filipino athletes who won medals in competitions outside the SEA Games.

“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.

President Marcos underscored the government’s ongoing efforts to further strengthen sports development in the country, expressing hope that more Filipinos will be inspired to pursue athletics.

“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 33rd SEA Games, marking the largest Philippine delegation in the history of the regional competition.