President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. hailed Filipino medalists athletes by doubling the incentives given to them during the recent Southeast Asian Games and ASEAN Para Games held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The Chief Executive announced that the incentives athletes previously received will be doubled by handing out a P74 million cash bonus to all medal winners in the biennial regional meets held last May and June.

The program was led by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco, Senatpor Francis Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann, Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino, and Philippine Paralympic Committee president Mike Barredo.

The country placed fifth in both the ASEAN Para Games (34-33-49 haul) and the SEA Games (58-86-116 gold-silver-bronze haul).

"Today, we are fortunate to witness the latest of the long list of triumphant heroes in Philippine sports who have become exemplars of sporting prowess who showed the strength of Filipino spirit, grace of Filipino character and the passion of a Filipino heart, and that is what comes out with the results with what you have been able to do," the President said.

Marcos praised the athletes for making the nation proud despite the "limited resources" provided to them.

"I always felt a little embarrassed because we’re not supporting our athletes and trainers and all the support group even the families na alam naman natin na hindi kayo nag champion nang nag iisa, marami ang nag sakripisyo din para sa inyo," he said.

"It seems that we in government, considering the honor and pride you’re bringing to the Philippines is not commensurate with the great service that you do for our country and people," the President added.