President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. committed on Tuesday to further developing Philippine sports following the country’s successful campaign in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.

“Ngayon, sabi ko nga ay marami na tayong ibinibigay na material things. What I would like to now do is to ask our athletes, our coaches, all our sports organizations,” President Marcos said during the heroes’ welcome celebration for the Olympians in Malacañang.

“Imbis na maglalabas kami ng cash — well, if you need more cash, we’ll find some more. But I think, more importantly, I want to be part of the development of sports in the Philippines. Naiwan-iwanan na tayo,” he said.

These athletes, he said, have done so well and “have made us so proud,” despite the absence of official technical support from the government.

The athletes did it on their own, and there is no formal structure to support them; that’s why the government has to establish one, he said.

“Siyempre mayroong tumutulong. Kung minsan ‘yung gobyerno nakakatulong. Pero walang pormal na istraktura para tulungan ‘yung ating mga atleta. And that’s what we are going to establish now,” he said.

“So, I ask all of you to tell us, what is it that you need? Saan kayo — noong sa pag-training ng mga atleta natin, saan kayo nahirapan? Anong hindi ninyo magawa na maitutulong namin? You tell us,” he added.

In its 23rd appearance, the Philippines sent 22 athletes to compete in nine sports events in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

The country ranked 37th in the latest Paris Olympics medal tally as of August 12, having secured two gold and two bronze medals. PND