President Rodrigo Duterte himself is set to honor all 397 Filipino athletes who have brought medals for the country at the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam in a courtesy call scheduled on May 31 at the Malacañang Palace.

The country came in fourth overall in Hanoi. This is the country’s best finish in SEA Games held outside of the Philippines since finishing second during the 1983 edition in Singapore.

During the courtesy call, the President is also expected to award the athletes with incentives as provided by the law. Under Republic Act No. 10699, the Philippine Sports Commission shall provide financial incentives to medal-winning athletes.

The law, also known as the National Athletes and Coaches Incentives and Benefits Act, rewards a Filipino athlete PhP300,000 for each gold medal earned, while a silver and bronze medal are worth PhP150,000 and PhP60,000, respectively.

Medalists who break current Philippine records, SEA Games standards, or world records in any measurable international competition may also be eligible for cash rewards, as determined by the PSC.

Meanwhile, Go assured that on top of the incentives provided by law, Duterte will award additional incentives to the athletes.

“Maliban doon sa mandated by law, bibigyan po ang ating mga atleta ng karagdagang insentibo upang mas ma-encourage pa po sila bilang inspirasyon sa ating mga kabataan na nangangarap ring maging atleta na magrerepresenta sa bansa sa susunod na mga kompetition,” Go confirmed after earlier appealing to President Duterte for the provision of additional incentives.

Recognizing the athletes’ dedication, Go reassured that he will remain steadfast in advocating for their well-being and interest. The senator also remarked that he will always be proud of the Filipino athletes regardless of the results of their competitions, adding that their perseverance and efforts are already laudable.

“Your sacrifice and commitment is something we are truly grateful for. Maraming salamat sa pagpapakita ng inyong angking galing sa larangan ng sports,” he stressed.

Go then urged Filipinos to demonstrate their support for the athletes in all of their sporting pursuits, emphasizing that their victories bring honor and glory to the country.

“Hinihimok ko rin po ang ating mga kababayan na magkaisa para sa ating mga atletang Pilipino at suportahan sila sa anumang sporting events na kanilang lalahukan,” said Go.

“Again, sama-sama po nating ibalik ang dangal ng Pilipinas sa mundo ng isports. Mabuhay po kayong lahat!” he concluded.