“I enjoin the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee, and other sports bodies to continue providing the much-needed assistance to keep our athletes on top of their game and to help them become all-time greats,” Duterte said during the awarding of incentives to Tokyo Olympics 2020 medalists.

During the ceremony, which was attended by sports officials in Malacañang, Duterte awarded incentives to weightlifter and gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, boxers and silver medalists Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio, and boxer and bronze medalist Eumir Marcial.

Duterte also honored former Olympian and boxer Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco, who won silver during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. 

He also congratulated these athletes for bringing pride to the country.

“I congratulate you once again for bringing pride and honor to the country and for uplifting the spirit of the Filipinos amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Your hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship even amid the challenges in your training and competition prior to the Olympics are truly inspiring,” he said.