Duterte honors SEA Games medalists
Credit to Author: THE MANILA TIMES| Date: Wed, 18 Dec 2019 13:40:33 +0000
President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday honored medal-winning Filipino athletes who brought pride and honor to the country during the recently concluded 30th Southeast Asian (Sea) Games.
Duterte conferred the prestigious Order of Lapu-Lapu on almost 600 medalists for capturing the overall SEA Games championship.
The Order of Lapu-Lapu, a distinction created through an executive order in 2017, is conferred by the President in “recognition of the “invaluable service rendered by officials and personnel of the government as well as private individuals in significantly advancing a campaign or advocacy of the President.”
The athletes were awarded the Kamagi Medal, which is given to individuals who “actively participated and contributed significantly to an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President.”
In his speech, Duterte thanked the Filipinos for the “success story of the Asian Games.”
“I am deeply honored to be in the presence of our athletes who have emerged victorious in the recently concluded 30th Southeast Asian Games held in our country. Your triumph showcases the athleticism and sporting prowess of our people to our neighbors in Southeast Asia,” he said.
“The blood, sweat and tears that you have shed to earn this prestigious recognition is truly inspiring. I am really very happy to no end. Gusto kong sumigaw palagi sa bahay, dito pati sa Davao,” he added.
The athletes also received cash incentives.As mandated by law, gold medalists received P300,000 while silver and bronze medalists got P150,000 and P60,000, respectively.
Duterte sweetened the pot by adding P250,000 for gold medalists, P150,000 for silver winners and P100,000 for bronze performers.
CATHERINE S. VALENTE