President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed his support to the Philippine delegation that will compete in the 2023 Southeast in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
During the send-off ceremony on Monday, April 24, at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, President Marcos promised that the Filipino community will cheer for the athletes in their upcoming campaign.
The Chief Executive also expressed hope that the Philippines will surpass its fourth-place finish during the 2021 SEA Games held in Hanoi, Vietnam.
"Kahit nandoon kayo sa Phnom Penh, kahit nasa Cambodia kayo ay maririnig niyo. Basta makinig kayo nang mabuti, maririnig niyo ‘yung sigaw namin to encourage you," the President said.
"You have 107 million na kakampi na walang ginawa kung hindi magdasal na maging successful sa inyo, walang ginawa kung hindi isipin kung papaano kayo panalunin, kung papaano kayo tulungan, kung papaano kayong palakasin," he added.
President Marcos mentioned that the victories of the athletes bring honor and joy to the Philippines.
"Ang ating mga champion, ang ating mga nag-uuwi ng medalya at saka tropeo ay talaga namang nagdadala ng kasiyahan at naipagmamalaki ng buong madla na kami ay Pilipino," the President stressed.
"‘The hopes and the dreams and the aspirations of our countrymen for the Philippines ride with you" he added.
The 32nd SEA Games will formally open on May 5 but some events will already kick off as early as Saturday, April 29.
The biennial multi-sports event will end on May 17.
