As athletes from the country once again hauled multiple medals from an international competition.
On Tuesday, October 13, tbe Philippine Fencing Association (PFA) had a courtesy call to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malacañan Palace.
During which, the performance at the 2026 Southeast Asian Fencing Federation Minime, Cadet and Junior Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where Filipino athletes won 46 medals, including eight gold, 12 silver and 26 bronze, was recognized.
In his message, the President emphasized the importance of encouraging young Filipinos to participate in sports, citing their contribution to physical, social and character development.
“For me, sport has become such an important part of the development of all our kids,” the President said.
He then recalled his personal experience with fencing, sharing that he and his sister Irene Marcos-Araneta took lessons in the sport during their younger years, although his sister pursued it more seriously and became particularly skilled.
During the gathering, the PFA presented the Chief Executive with a special gift that included a fencing saber and protective headgear, leading him to demonstrating how to handle the saber.
President Marcos akso expressed satisfaction over the growing popularity and competitiveness of Philippine fencing. “Again, like I said, fencing is not traditionally a Philippine sport.”
Marcos also acknowledged the sacrifices of parents, coaches and other members of the athletes’ support teams, emphasizing their important roles in developing competitive Filipino athletes.
He then encouraged the young fencers to remain committed to their training and continue pursuing excellence in local and international competitions.
President Marcos said the growing achievements of Filipino athletes reflected the positive results of efforts to promote sports participation among the youth.
“We are beginning to see the results of some of the champions that we are getting and some of the improvements that we are seeing,” the President said.
The Chief Executive then teaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting Filipino athletes and expanding sports development programs nationwide to provide more young Filipinos with opportunities to develop their abilities and compete at higher levels.
“We need to have a more extensive program for people to participate in sports like fencing, any sport that they might be interested in,” Marcos said.
He also underscored the importance of sports in developing discipline, teamwork, resilience and other values that athletes can carry throughout their lives.
“There is no better place for you to learn discipline. There is no better place for you to learn camaraderie. There is no better place than to learn resilience,” President Marcos noted.
