Malacañang is over the moon after the Philippines won its first gold medal at the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games on May 11.
Francine Padios bagged the country's first gold medal after winning against Indonesian Puspa Arumsari in the women’s artistic seni tunggal event of the 2021 Southeast Asian Games at the Bac Tu Liem Gymnasium in Vietnam on Wednesday.
In a statement, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar extended Malacañang's well-wishes to the Filipino athlete.
"The Palace congratulates Mary Francine Padios for bringing pride and glory to the country by winning the first gold medal for the Philippines in Pencak Silat Women’s Seni (Artistic) Tunggal single event in Vietnam," he said.
"Congratulations. We are proud of you," he added.
The acting Palace spokesman likewise wished the other Filipino athletes the best of luck as they aim to bring home more medals for the country.
"Good luck to the rest of our athletes in Team Philippines. Mabuhay ang atletang Pinoy sa Hanoi," he said.