Duterte asks PSC to look for talented athletes from “non-traditional places”

September 13, 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte urged on Wednesday the Philippine Sports Commission to search for talented athletes from non-traditional places in time for the country's hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019.

Duterte made the call during the awarding ceremony in Malacanang for Filipino athletes who brought home medals from the recent SEA Games in Malaysia.

"In 2019, I am honored that the Philippines will host the 30th Southeast Asian Games. This will be an opportunity for us to look for talented Filipino athletes from all over the country," he said in a speech.

"Thus, I enjoin the PSC to widen its scope and recruit nationwide. Look for them in non-traditional places and include members of the indigenous tribes and out-of-school youth. Let us give them a chance to hone their talent and live up to their fullest potentials," Duterte said.

Duterte also encouraged the Filipino athletes to focus on improving and to do better in the next SEA Games.

"Rest assured that the government and the Filipino people will support [you] every step of the way. Continue to represent the best of what the Philippines has to offer, here and abroad. Make us proud again," he said.

Duterte also congratulated Malaysia for successfully hosting the 29th Southeast Asian Games.

"The event is a symbol of the ASEAN’s commitment to strengthen our partnership and cooperation towards a common goal of a more prosperous and united region in the coming years," he said.

Filipino athletes won 24 gold medals, 33 silver, and 64 bronze during the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur. Overall, the Philippines placed s

The government has given over P18 million to the medalists and more than P7 million to their coaches.

The cash rewards were provided under Republic Act No. 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.

Under the law, a gold medalist receives P300,000; silver, P150,00; and bronze, P75,000.

Presidential Adviser for Sports Dennis Uy also gave additional cash incentives of P50,000 for gold medalists, P30,000 for silver medalists, and P10,000 for silver medalists. Celerina Monte/DMS