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President Marcos Honors Filipino Athletes After 33rd SEA Games Success

22 January 2026

President Marcos held a homecoming celebration for 33rd SEA Games athletes, recognizing their record 277 medals and historic achievements in Manila.


President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the “Parangal at Pasasalamat sa mga Bayaning Atleta: A Homecoming Celebration for the 33rd SEA Games Athletes” at the Foro de Intramuros in Manila, honoring Filipino athletes for their exceptional performance in the recently concluded SEA Games in Thailand.

More than 1,500 Filipino athletes competed in the 33rd SEA Games held from December 9 to 20, 2025, securing a total of 277 medals: 50 gold, 73 silver, and 154 bronze. This medal tally surpassed the country’s performance in the 2023 and 2021 SEA Games, placing the Philippines sixth overall in the competition.

President Marcos lauded the athletes, saying, “Pinagdiriwang natin ngayong araw ang dangal, tibay ng loob, at pambihirang kakayahan ng atletang Pilipino… Dala ang bandila ng ating bansa, pinakita ninyo kung ano ang kayang marating ng atletang Pilipino.” He added, “Buong pagmamalaki naming kinikilala ang husay at galing na ipinamalas ninyo. Ngunit, may medalya man o wala, panalo kayong lahat sa puso ng sambayanang Pilipino.”

The President announced that the Office of the President (OP) will match the cash incentives under the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act (RA 10699). Gold medalists will receive PhP300,000, silver medalists PhP150,000, and bronze medalists PhP60,000. Additionally, athletes who won in events not officially included in the SEA Games will receive PhP10,000 each.

President Marcos highlighted historic achievements, including:

  • Alex Eala, the first Filipina in 26 years to win gold in women’s singles tennis at the SEA Games.

  • EJ Obiena, who earned his fourth consecutive SEA Games gold in men’s pole vault.

  • The Philippine Women’s National Football Team, which captured the country’s first SEA Games gold in women’s football during the inaugural tournament.

The Chief Executive emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing sports development in the Philippines, including expanding grassroots and youth programs, improving facilities, and strengthening support for athletes competing internationally.

“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,” President Marcos said.