Senator Imee Marcos has recommended the reinstatement of 'Project Gintong Alay' to further support Filipino athletes, with the goal of improving the country's Olympic standing.
"Sa totoo lang, ang galing-galing ng Pilipino, kaya lang walang suporta. Kailangan talaga may baback-up, mag-sponsor sa biyahe, sa kompetisyon. Malaking gastos para sa pamilya, hindi talaga kakayanin," Marcos said during an exclusive interview with DZRH on Wednesday.
The Senator shared her views on the Philippines' performance in various athletic competitions, expressing her envy for countries that have managed to increase their gold medal count despite having smaller populations.
According to her, the support currently extended to the nation's athletes seems insufficient. Consequently, she proposes the return of the Gintong Alay program, which was first launched under her father's administration.
"Parati kasing sinasabi na walang pera 'yung gobyerno para suportahan 'yung sports, ano kaya kung ibalik 'yung Gintong Alay style?" she suggested.
The program involves large corporations adopting sporting events and making their monetary support tax-deductible.
"Kahit papaano, para suportahan naman 'yung sports. Hindi naman tayo nagkulang sa talento," Marcos said.
She cited San Miguel Corporation as an example, noting how the company adopted the basketball team in the country.
"Inampon nila 'yung basketball. Talaga namang ratsada tayo sa SEA Games, sa ASEAN," she mentioned.
Marcos also admitted that there is a lack of equipment for gymnastics in the Philippines and highlighted the need for dedicated coaches.
However, she confidently stated that boxing remains one of the country's strong points, with the Philippines being home to many boxing titleholders, including eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao.
"Pag sinabi mong Pacquiao, pinagmamalaki ng Pilipinas 'yan," she said.
