(Photo courtesy : PCO)
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led a state recognition ceremony honoring Filipino athletes who won medals at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, awarding cash incentives as a tribute to their dedication and the pride they brought to the country.
The President presided over the “Parangal at Pasasalamat sa mga Bayaning Atleta: A Homecoming Celebration for the 33rd SEA Games Athletes” at the Foro de Intramuros, where he commended the national delegation for a performance he described as both resilient and inspiring.
Team Philippines concluded the Thailand-hosted Games with a total of 277 medals—50 gold, 73 silver, and 154 bronze—an improved haul compared with the 2023 and 2021 editions. The tally placed the country sixth overall in the regional meet held from December 9 to 20, 2025.
“Today we celebrate the honor, strength, and exceptional ability of the Filipino athlete,” Marcos said. “Carrying our flag, you showed the heights that Filipinos can reach on the international stage.”
He added that regardless of podium finishes, all members of the delegation were winners in the eyes of the Filipino people, citing their sacrifices and commitment as a source of national pride.
Marcos announced that the Office of the President would match the cash incentives provided under Republic Act No. 10699, or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act. Under the scheme, gold medalists receive PHP 300,000, silver medalists PHP 150,000, and bronze medalists PHP 60,000.
The President also recognized standout achievements that marked milestones in Philippine sports history, including tennis player Alex Eala, who became the first Filipina in 26 years to win SEA Games gold in women’s singles; pole vaulter EJ Obiena, who secured his fourth consecutive SEA Games gold; and the Philippine Women’s National Football Team, which captured the country’s first SEA Games gold medal in football during the inaugural women’s tournament.
In addition, Marcos said the Office of the President would grant PHP 10,000 to Filipino athletes who earned victories in competitions outside the SEA Games calendar, expanding recognition beyond the regional meet.
“We know that no amount can fully compensate for your sacrifices,” the President said. “But please accept this as a symbol of the nation’s respect and gratitude for your heroism.”
Marcos assured athletes and sports stakeholders that the government would continue strengthening the country’s sports development framework, with a focus on long-term growth and wider participation.
“We are expanding grassroots and youth sports programs, improving essential facilities, and increasing support for athletes competing on the global stage,” he said.
More than 1,500 Filipino athletes took part in the 33rd SEA Games, marking the largest Philippine delegation in the history of the competition and underscoring the country’s growing investment in regional and international sports.