President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the send-off ceremony for Filipino athletes bound for the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics on Friday at the Ayuntamiento in Intramuros, Manila. PCO PHOTO
By Jaimes R. C. Sumbilon
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered a message of encouragement to Filipino athletes bound for the Paris Olympics as he presided over the send-off ceremony on Friday night at the Marble Hall of the Ayuntamiento de Manila in Intramuros, Manila.
Addressing the athletes, the President said, "As you journey to Paris, you carry not only our hopes and dreams, but also the pride of our nation, which believes in you, stands steadfastly with you and celebrates your victories, supporting you through every challenge."
"Whether in the boxing ring, on the gymnastics floor, in the water, or any arena where you compete, you embody the best of Filipino spirit — competitive, courageous, and resolute. And you do it all with a smile," he added. "Your triumphs are not just personal victories, but victories for every Filipino, especially the young dreamers who dare to achieve what seems impossible."
Among the Filipino athletes bound for Paris, who were present at the ceremony, were flag bearers Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio, along with boxers Hergie Bacyadan and Aira Villegas (boxing), Carlos Yulo (gymnastics), Joanie Delgaco (rowing) and Elreen Ando, Vanessa Sarno and John Ceniza (weightlifting).
Athletes such as EJ Obiena (athletics), Eumir Marcial (boxing), Aleah Finegan, Levi Ruivivar, Emma Malabuyo (gymnastics), and Samantha Catantan (fencing) are already training overseas.
To support the Filipino Olympians, the President instructed the Office of the Executive Secretary to increase funding for the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
Marcos underscored the goal of further strengthening sports development in the country. He announced that P52 million was allocated for preparations for the international multi-sport event, with an additional P1.156 billion for this year.
Joining the President in the evening ceremony were Senators Francis Tolentino and Pia Cayetano, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chief Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino, PSC chair Richard "Dickie" Bachmann, Philippine Olympian Association president Gillian Akiko Thomson-Guevara and officials from national sports associations.
The send-off ceremony commenced with a Holy Mass and featured the symbolic turnover of the national flag from the PSC to the President Marcos and the POC chief.
Likewise, the POC head presented Marcos with the official training and competition attire.
The send-off event also commemorated the country’s 100th anniversary of Olympic participation.
In Philippine Olympic history, the country secured its lone gold medal through Hidilyn Diaz in weightlifting at the most recent Olympics held in Japan in 2021.