President Ferdinand (Bong Bong) Marcos, Jr. stood out as the country’s No. 1 cheerleader of sports during a gathering at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum the other night and declared that it was a proud moment to be Pinoy in applauding the efforts of 33 Filipino athletes who brought home medals from the recent Hangzhou Asian Games. The Chief Executive handed out certificates of recognition and giant-sized checks representing cash incentives to athletes on stage to highlight the program called “Gabi Ng Parangal Para Sa Bayaning Atletang Pilipino.”
In a speech, the President applauded the athletes as symbols of inspiration, particularly to the youth, not just in sports but in every field of endeavor because of their discipline, hard work, sacrifice and achievements. He also paid tribute to those who help athletes live their dreams to excel – coaches, trainers, physiotherapists, nutritionists and especially families as the backbone of the support system. The President mentioned that the Philippine Sports Commission is ready to roll out a five-year sports development program up to 2028 with emphasis on participation at all levels and cited the athletics and aquatics facilities in the New Clark City as hubs in the process.
President Marcos said he closely monitored the Asian Games campaign of the Filipino athletes and cheered himself hoarse in front of the TV set following the exploits of the medal aspirants. He said the success in Hangzhou brought smiles to every Filipino’s face as the athletes put on a display of courage and prowess to be the best versions of themselves.
With the President at the assembly of heroes were his son Rep. Sandro Marcos, POC president Mayor Bambol Tolentino, Sen. Francis Tolentino, DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos, PSC chairman Dicky Bachmann, PLDT chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, Pasay Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, Rep./Philippine Fencing Association president Richard Gomez, former Rep./Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella, ABAP/PBA chairman Ricky Vargas, PLDT/Smart/SBP president Al Panlilio, San Miguel Corp. sports director/Gilas team manager Alfrancis Chua, PBA commissioner/Gilas deputy team manager Willie Marcial, SBP deputy executive director/FIBA Legal Commission chair Erika Dy, SONAK Group/Molten Philippines CEO Anil Buxani and businessman Rajan Uttamchandani.
Asian Games gold medalists Meggie Ochoa and Annie Ramirez received their certificates and replica checks from the President. Including a P1 million bonus from POC, the individual gold medalists were rewarded with a P5 million windfall. EJ Obiena, who’s based near his training facility in Formia, Italy, was represented by his mother Jeanette. Because basketball is a team sport, the prize for each player came to P500,000. Attending the gathering were Gilas players June Mar Fajardo, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, CJ Perez, Calvin Oftana, Kevin Alas, Arvin Tolentino, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Ross and Chris Newsome and assistant coaches Richard del Rosario, Joseph Uichico, LA Tenorio and Patrick Partosa. Bachmann said incentives for coaches will also be given out. During the program, Buxani and Uttamchandani presented the collectible limited edition FIBA World Cup Molten championship basketball to the President in gratitude for his support to bring the event to the country.
Gilas received a rousing welcome from the throng of elementary and high school students who filled the stands to witness the celebration. Silver medalist Eumir Marcial, the first Filipino boxer to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics, also got an ovation. The Gilas players were ecstatic with Lassiter filming every second on his phone as he walked up the stage to receive his certificate and check from the President. Clearly, as the President said, it was a proud moment to be Pinoy.