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Jean Mangaluz - Philstar.com
January 21, 2026 | 2:24pm
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. speaks to SEA Games athletes at Intramuros, City of Manila on January 21, 2026.
RTV Malacañang / Youtube
MANILA, Philippines — Winning athletes from the recent Southeast Asian (SEA) Games will get additional cash incentives, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Wednesday, January 21.
The Philippines was able to win 277 medals in the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand, with 50 of these being gold, 73 were silver and 154 bronze. The Philippines secured sixth place overall among the ten participating countries.
Marcos lauded all the athletes, whether they were able to secure a medal or not. The president made special mention of tennis sensation Alex Eala, who was the first Filipina to win the gold in the women's singles tennis in 26 years.
The president also recognized EJ Obiena, who secured the gold medal in the men’s pole vault.
The 2025 SEA Games also saw the historic win of the Philippine women's football team—the first ever for the country.
“You have all proved that success is not accidental. It is earned every time you choose to show up and you choose to rise—again and again,” Marcos said.
By law, victors of the international sports competitions secure a cash incentive. The National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act guarantees P300,000 to SEA Games gold medalists, P150,000 for silver medalists, and P60,000 for bronze medalists.
Marcos announced that the Office of the President will match these awards, as well as give P10,000 for athletes who win in other competitions outside of the SEA Games.
“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. Nawa ay marami pang kabataang Pilipino ang tumahak sa katulad na landas na inyong nilalakbay,” Marcos said.
(We know that the value of your sacrifice is incomparable, but please accept this as a symbol of recognition and gratitude from Filipino citizens for your heroism. May more young Filipinos go the same road that you are traveling.)
