Asian Games medalists recognized

(UPDATE) PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday led the grand welcome and awarding ceremony for Filipino medalists in the recent 2023 Asian Games held in Huangzhou, China.

Dubbed «Gabi ng Parangal at Pasasalamat Para sa Bayaning Atletang Pilipino,» the event is a project of the Office of the President, in collaboration with the Presidential Communications Office, and held at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

President Marcos lauded the national athletes for showing the excellence of the Filipino on the world stage.

«It's only fitting that we recognize our athletes. But let us not forget those who helped them — the coaches, trainers, nutritionists, even their drivers, and of course, the parents. It was indeed a total effort. It was really Team Philippines,» he said in Filipino during his speech.

«In behalf of a proud and grateful nation, I salute you for your good showing in the Asian Games… we value the great impact sports have in our country,» he added.

All 33 Filipino medalists, including the gold-medal-winning Gilas Pilipinas men's basketball team, were given a Presidential Citation in recognition of their demonstrated excellence and achievements in their respective sports during the Asiad.

Each of the medalists also received incentives from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) through the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), totaling P19.1 million.

Additional incentives from the Office of the President, amounting to a collective P22.8 million, were also handed out.

The Gabi ng Parangal is a special recognition by the President to honor the sacrifices and celebrate the triumphs of Filipino athletes, «our modern-day heroes who bring pride, honor, and joy to our fellow Filipinos,» Malacañang earlier said.

Also, the Palace recognized their achievements in Huangzhou as proof that «Filipinos in the international sports arena are truly world-class» and committed to continue supporting national athletes in various international sporting events «as we work together towards a Bagong Pilipinas.»