MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. pledged on Wednesday to boost government assistance for the nation’s sports development by implementing a comprehensive plan and establishing modern training facilities for Filipino athletes.
Addressing attendees at the welcome and awarding ceremony for the medalists of the 19th Asian Games 2023, the President emphasized his administration’s commitment to promoting sports development, acknowledging the significant impact of sports on societal development.
“We have accomplished much, but rest assured that we will increase our support for our athletes. In the future, we can expect even better results in our international competitions,” Marcos stated during the event, which took place at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.
He added, “I said this when I addressed our Southeast Asian Games and ASEAN Para Games medalists: We understand that for our athletes to succeed in these competitions, they require all the help they can get, particularly from their government.”
To realize these objectives, the President outlined various government initiatives, including the implementation of a Five-Year Sports Development Plan for 2023 to 2028 by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). This plan aims to address long-standing concerns of Filipino athletes by promoting participation at all levels of government and the private sector.
Furthermore, the government intends to offer support to state universities and colleges (SUCs) to repair and upgrade sports facilities. They are also exploring partnerships with private sector entities to construct basketball courts in public schools, gyms, and facilities. Local government units (LGUs) are encouraged to back sports development in their respective areas.
Another key initiative is the development of New Clark City as a sports hub in the Philippines, enabling national athletes to utilize the training facilities of the New Clark City Athletics Stadium and the Aquatics Center free of charge, according to Marcos.
“The government established the National Academy of Sports to promote the development of athletic skills and talents of students through a secondary education program,” Marcos said, expressing hope that the Academy and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) will expedite and operationalize the facility for the benefit of athletes.
Addressing the welfare of athletes injured during training and competition, Marcos directed the PSC to collaborate with PAGCOR and other agencies to strengthen the country’s Medical Scientific Athlete Services Unit.
“We need to help our injured athletes recover quickly and get back in the game,” he remarked.
The President also urged influential and resourceful donors to continue supporting Filipino athletes to excel in their chosen fields.
“To our athletes, this is my challenge to you: Keep aspiring, keep believing, keep working. Spare no effort to unlock your full potential and be the best versions of yourselves,” said Marcos.
Recognizing the achievements of the 18 medalists from the regional sports event, the President conveyed his appreciation: “On behalf of a proud and grateful nation, I salute and recognize the excellent performance you displayed in the 19th Asian Games.”
He also acknowledged the contributions of coaches and families who had sacrificed not only days or weeks but years to help the athletes achieve their high levels of excellence.
In the 19th Asian Games, the Philippines secured gold medals in Men’s Pole Vault, Men’s Basketball, and Women’s Ju-jitsu (48 kg and 57 kg), silver medals in Men’s Boxing and Men’s Wushu (56 kg), and bronze medals in Men’s BMX Race (Cycling), Women’s Ju-jitsu (52 kg), Men’s Sepak Takraw, Women’s Tennis (Singles and Women Mixed Doubles), Women’s Weightlifting (64 kg), Men’s Wushu (60 kg and 65 kg), and Wushu Men’s Taijiquan and Taijijian (All-Around).
The medalists received presidential citations as well as cash incentives from the government. (Presidential News Desk)
