PRESIDENT Duterte tasked the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to bring its talent identification program to far-flung areas to have a broad spectrum of athletes that will be the toast of sports in the future.
The President gave the instruction during the ceremonial handover of the financial incentives for medalists in the Kuala Lumpur 29th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Malacañang on Wednesday night.
Duterte urged the sports agency to strengthen its nationwide search for talents and look for the best potentials from tribes and even out-of-school youths.
“This will be an opportunity for us to look for talented Filipino athletes from all over the country. Thus, I enjoin the PSC to widen its scope and recruit nationwide,” the Chief Executive told athletes, officials and coaches at the Palace’s Rizal Hall.
“Look for them in nontraditional places and include members of the indigenous tribes and out-of-school youth. Let us give them a chance to hone their talents and live up to their fullest potentials,” he added.
The President led sports officials in handing out more than P25 million in checks to the 129 medalists—including 29 golds—in Kuala Lumpur. Of the total amount, P18,037,500 were for athletes, while P7,181,250 were for coaches.
Presidential Adviser on Sports Dennis Uy added cash bonuses of P50,000 for gold, P30,000 for silver and P10,000 for bronze.
The incentives for the medal-winning athletes and the coaches were based on Republic Act 10699, or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.
Also present during the ceremony were PSC Chairman William Ramirez, Philippine Olympic Committee President Jose Cojuangco Jr., Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea and Foreign Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano, who will head the organizing committee for the country’s hosting of the 30th SEA Games in 2019.
“I congratulate you all for the accomplishment that has brought honor to the country. Through hard work and discipline, you have prevailed and made our nation proud,” Duterte said.
Image credits: Malacañang Photo