President Marcos has vowed to pay attention to the development of sports in the Philippines as he lamented how it is left behind in terms of infrastructure and support.

Marcos said this as he welcomed Filipino Olympians in Malacañan on Tuesday evening, Aug. 13.

In his speech, the President committed to further developing Philippine sports following the country’s successful campaign in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France, despite the athletes having to do it on their own.

"All of these athletes who have done so well and have made us so proud, there’s no official, technical support from the government," he said.

"They did it on their own, siyempre mayroong tumutulong. Kung minsan yung gobyerno nakakatulong. Pero walang pormal na istraktura para tulungan yung ating mga atleta (Of course, there's some help. Sometimes the government helps but there is no formal structure to help our athletes). And that’s what we are going to establish now," he added.

Marcos asked the athletes to tell the government what they needed as he expressed his desire to boost Philippine sports.

"If you need more cash, we’ll find some more. But I think, more importantly, I want to be part of the development of sports in the Philippines. Naiwan-iwanan na tayo (We are left behind)," he said.

“So, I ask all of you to tell us, what is it that you need. Saan kayo --- noong sa pag-training ng mga atleta natin, saan kayo nahirapan? Anong hindi ninyo magawa na maitutulong namin (What was difficult for you during your training? What did we fail to do that we can do in the future)? You tell us," he added.

The Philippines sent 22 athletes to compete in nine sports events in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris

The country ranked 37th in the latest Paris Olympics medal tally as of August 12, having secured two gold medals courtesy of gymnast Carlos Yulo and two bronze medals from boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio.