Recognizing that Filipino athletes are the country's ambassadors in sports, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. told them to reach out to him if they need more help towards a successful international stint.
PH TEAM—President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. leads the send-off ceremony for Filipino athletes who will be participating in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia. (Noel B. Pabalate)
Marcos, who led the send-off ceremony for the Philippine delegation in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia, hailed the national athletes as he assured them of the government's sustained support for their endeavors.
"If there is anything more that this government can do, that this administration can do, that I personally can do, you please make sure you will tell me because we are all rooting for you and we all want to do everything that we can do to make you as successful as you possibly can in your chosen events," Marcos said on Monday, April 24,
The President honored all Filipino athletes for being the country's "ambassadors in sports" and for playing a "very important part" which is beyond their participation in every important sporting event.
"To those who have always been in the sporting arena and have managed to make a name for themselves and put the Philippines on the athletic map, I thank you all very much for the honor and the glory that you bring to our country," Marcos said.
He told them that the entire nation is with them in spirit as they compete in the biennial meet in Phnom Phen, saying if they needed an extra push during their games, they only need to think about the millions of Filipinos rooting for them.
During his brief speech, the chief executive also vowed his support to the Philippine Sports Commission as well as the Philippine Olympic Commission.
He said they can also reach out to him if they need any more help as he understands the concerns need to be addressed in the sports sector.
"I understand (they) are still squatting in the environs of the CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines), kailangan siguro...mahirap naman e, ang dami nating pinapagawa sa inyo na wala kayo man lang sarili ninyong opisina (maybe we need to...it is hard because we are asking a lot from them yet they don't even gave their own office)," Marcos said.
In sending off the 840-strong delegation, Marcos also expressed expectation that the national team would bring medals, hoping they would surpass the country's previous record.
The Filipino athletes will try to vie for podium finishes in 38 disciplines at the region’s biggest biennial multisport event set from May 5 to 17.