Duterte leads distribution of cash incentives for SEA Games medal winners

The Filipino athletes who won medals in the recent Southeast Asian Games attended a ceremony on Wednesday at Malacañang Palace, where the administration handed out more than P18 million as a reward for their efforts in Kuala Lumpur last month.

"I congratulate you all, especially our medalists, for the accomplishment that brought honor to the country. You have prevailed and made our nation proud," President Rodrigo Duterte said.

President Rodrigo Duterte with gold-winning SEA Games marathoner Mary Joy Tabal during a ceremony at Malacañang Palace Wednesday. Also in the photo are Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco Jr., Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Philippine Sports Commission chairman William Ramirez and presidential adviser for sports Dennis Uy. Karl Norman Alonzo, Presidential Photo

"I encourage our athletes to focus on improving and to start to be better in the next SEA Games. The government and Filipino people will support you in every step."

The Philippines won 24 gold, 33 silver and 64 bronze medals in the Malaysia SEA Games.

Among the gold winners who were present at the Palace were: Nikko Huelgas (triathlon), Samuel Morrison (taekwondo), Mary Joy Tabal (marathon), Kiyomi Watanabe (judo) and Agatha Wong (wushu).

Full Article: http://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/09/13/17/duterte-leads-distribution-of-cash-incentives-for-sea-games-medal-winners