On top of the incentives provided by the law, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go confirmed Tuesday that President Rodrigo Duterte will award additional incentives to some 400 athletes and their coaches who won medals in the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The Philippine delegation will pay a courtesy call on the President at the Malacañang Palace on Tuesday.

As of posting time, they are already arriving in batches and undergoing entry procedures.

Go, who chairs the Committee on Sports, recognized the Filipino athletes’ dedication, reassuring them that he will remain steadfast in advocating for their well-being and interest.

“Your sacrifice and commitment is something we are truly grateful for. Maraming salamat sa pagpapakita ng inyong angking galing sa larangan ng (Thank you very much for showing your excellence in the field of) sports,” he said in a statement.

Go urged Filipinos to demonstrate their support for the athletes in all of their pursuits, emphasizing that their victories bring honor and glory to the country.

“Hinihimok ko rin po ang ating mga kababayan na magka-isa para sa ating mga atletang Pilipino at suportahan sila sa anumang sporting event na kanilang lalahukan (I am also encouraging our countrymen to unite for our Filipino athletes and support them in any sporting event that they will join),” he said.

The Philippines placed fourth overall in the biennial meet behind the host, Thailand, and Indonesia with 52 gold, 70 silver, and 104 bronze medals.

The SEA Games was supposed to be held in November and December last year but reset due to the pandemic.

Under Republic Act No. 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Incentives and Benefits Act, the Philippine Sports Commission is mandated to provide financial incentives to medal-winning athletes — PHP300,000 for every individual gold medal, PHP150,000 for silver medalists, and PHP60,000 for each bronze medal.

Carlos Yulo, who led all winners with five gold and two silver medals in gymnastics, is guaranteed PHP1.8 million.

Medalists who break Philippine, SEA Games or world records may also be eligible for cash rewards.

President Duterte also gave additional financial incentives and other monetary rewards to athletes in the past.

Go said the government should continue to invest in programs, financial aid, and infrastructure to assist athletes in achieving their goals. (PNA)