President Duterte hopes the next administration can sustain the country's present "golden era" of sports as he noted how Filipino athletes are making waves in the international arena.
Duterte said this as he inspected the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City (NCC), Tarlac, on Tuesday, June 14.
In his speech, the President said he was prodded to help maximize the potential of Filipino athletes after the likes of Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz put the Philippines on the map.
"It is thus an opportune time for me to help them maximize their potential with constant comprehensive projects and activities that promote the welfare and development of our athletes," he said.
He hoped the next administration could continue the programs his government started to help continue the country's winning streak.
"Let continue to work with one another to sustain our present golden era of sports—even beyond my term—keeping in mind that the legacy we are building will not be ours alone but also for the succeeding generations to come," Duterte said.
"It is my hope and maybe my prayer that the pioneer batch of student-athletes become well-rounded Olympians and Champions who will carry our flag in the international sports arena and inspire a deep sense of patriotism among Filipinos," he added.
In the recently concluded 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Hanoi, Vietnam, the Philippines claimed the fourth spot with 52 gold medals, 70 silvers, and 105 bronzes. This was, however, a drop from its first-place victory in 2019.