President Bongbong Marcos vowed to ramp up government support for Philippine sports as he announced expanded incentives and long-term investments during a ceremony honoring athletes who competed in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
Marcos said the administration is strengthening sports development by expanding grassroots and youth programs, upgrading facilities, and increasing direct support for athletes competing locally and abroad. He framed the push as part of a broader effort to steer more Filipino youth toward sports and international competition.
“We are expanding grassroots and youth sports programs, increasing the necessary facilities, and further strengthening support for athletes who compete on the global stage,” Marcos said.
He confirmed that the Office of the President will match the cash incentives granted to SEA Games medalists under Republic Act No. 10699, or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act. Under the scheme, gold medalists will receive ₱300,000, silver medalists ₱150,000, and bronze medalists ₱60,000. Athletes who secured victories in competitions outside the SEA Games will also receive ₱10,000.
“May many more Filipino youth follow the same path that you are taking. That is why the government is promoting the improvement of the quality of sports development in our country,” Marcos told the athletes.
The Philippines closed the 33rd SEA Games with 277 medals, consisting of 50 gold, 73 silver, and 154 bronze. The tally exceeded the country’s medal haul in the previous two editions of the biennial competition. The Philippines ranked sixth overall in the games held in Thailand from December 9 to 20, 2025.
Marcos highlighted standout performances, including Alex Eala, who became the first Filipina in 26 years to win a SEA Games gold medal in women’s singles tennis, and EJ Obiena, who captured his fourth straight SEA Games gold in the men’s pole vault.
He also cited the Philippine Women’s National Football Team, which won gold in women’s football during its first inclusion in the SEA Games. “Thank you very, very much for this historic victory. You showed the inherent skill and strength of Filipino women,” Marcos said.
“This is certainly a ‘herstory’ that is one for the books,” he added.
More than 1,500 Filipino athletes competed for the country in the SEA Games, marking the largest Philippine delegation in the history of the regional competition.
