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Duterte urges PSC to recruit IPs, out-of-school youths
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte poses with the coaches and officials of the 29th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) Philippine Team, as well as with officers of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Siklab Atleta Pilipinas, during an awarding ceremony in Malacañan Palace on September 13, 2017. Also in the photo are Philippine Olympic Committee President Jose Cojuangco Jr., Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, PSC Chairman William Ramirez, and Presidential Adviser for Sports Dennis Uy. KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday has instructed the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to widen its scope of recruitment of Filipino athletes nationwide looking on the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in which the Philippines will be hosting.
Speaking on the awarding ceremony of the SEA games medalists, Duterte said the PSC should look for potential athletes in non-traditional places and include indigenous people and out-of-school youths in the training pool.
“This will be an opportunity for us to look for talented Filipino athletes from all over the country. 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.
The president personally handed out the cash bonuses to the medalists of the recently-concluded biennial sporting meet where the Philippines finished in the 6th place, bringing home 24 gold, 33 silver, and 64 bronze medals.
“I express my heartfelt gratitude to the athletes who have represented us in the recently concluded Southeast Asian Games. I congratulate you all, especially our medalists, for the accomplishment that has brought honor to the country. Through hard work and discipline, you have prevailed and made our nation proud,” Duterte added.
As provided by the Republic Act 10699, Gold medalists took home P300, 000, silver finishers got P150, 000 and bronze medalists received P60, 000.
Duterte also vowed support for the athletes and encouraged them to make the Philippines ‘proud again’ by improving and performing better in the next SEA games.
“I encourage our athletes to focus on improving and to strive 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,” the president said.
“I hope we will continue to foster this spirit of goodwill and sportsmanship. In 2019, I am honored that the Philippines will host the 30th Southeast Asian Games,” he added.
Duterte commended Malaysia for a ‘successful’ hosting of the 29th regional sporting event, saying the meet is a symbol of ASEAN’s commitment towards a “prosperous and united” region in the future.
“I congratulate 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”, the president said.
