Following the modest performance of the delegation in the said tournament.
On Wednesday, January 21, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. led the presentation of cash incentives to the athletes that won medals in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, which was held last December in Thailand.
In accordance with Republic Act No. 10699 (the “National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act”), SEA Games gold medalists were awarded PHP300,000; PHP150,000 for silver medalists; PHP60,000 for bronze medalists.
Team Philippines won a total of 277 medals, with 50 gold, 73 silver, and 154 bronze—exceeding the medal haul in the last two SEA Games, and placing sixth overall among 10 participating countries.
In the event, held in Intramuros, Manila, the President noted the athletes’ dedication and the pride they brought to the Philippines on the regional stage. Over 1,500 Filipino athletes joined the SEA Games—the largest Philippine delegation in the history of the competition
“Dala ang bandila ng ating bansa, pinakita ninyo kung ano ang kayang marating ng atletang Pilipino,” he said. “Buong pagmamalaki naming kinikilala ang husay at galing na ipinamalas ninyo. Ngunit, may medalya man o wala, panalo kayong lahat sa puso ng sambayanang Pilipino.”
Marcos also added that the Office of the President will also match the incentive declared in the law, effectively doubling the prize that the athletes are receiving. Meanwhile, they will also give PHP10,000 each for athletes who won in competitions other than the SEA Games.
Meanwhile, the chief executive lauded the historic achievements of Filipino athletes during the 33rd SEAG. He cited the likes of Alex Eala, EJ Obiena, and the Philippine Women’s National Football Team, who all made outstanding records at the regional meet.
“Batid nating walang katumbas na halaga ang inyong sakripisyo, ngunit tanggapin ninyo ito bilang simbolo ng pagpupugay at pasasalamat ng mamamayang Pilipino sa inyong kabayanihan,” he said.
He also mentioned efforts being done to better the sports program in the country. “Pinapalawak natin ang grassroots and youth sports programs, dinadagdagan natin ang mga kinakailangang pasilidad, at mas pinapalakas pa natin ang suporta sa mga atletang lumalahok sa pandaigdigang entablado,” said the President.
