The delegation from the country finished fourth in the medal table with a total of 227 medals, including 52 gold medals, 70 silver medals, and 105 bronze medals.

Go expressed gratitude for the efforts of all the athletes who competed in the biennial sports meet.

“Tauspuso ang aking pasasalamat sa lahat ng mga atletang Pilipino na nagbigay ng karangalan sa ating bayan,” Go said.

“Isang mataas na pagsaludo din sa lahat ng mga manlalaro natin, sa kanilang mga coaches at mga trainors na naghanda sa mahabang panahon para sa palarong ito,” the senator acknowledged.

With 205 gold medals, host Vietnam is the overall champion of the Games, followed by Thailand with 92 and Indonesia with 69.

Meanwhile, the senator applauded the government’s efforts to fully support the delegation’s training and assistance. 

He appealed that the government should continue to strengthen further into programs, financial aid, and infrastructure to help the athletes succeed.

“Marami nang magagandang idinulot ang ating mga efforts para masuportahan ang atletang Pilipino at mapalakas ang sports development programs sa bansa. Paigtingin pa natin lalo ito,” Go said.

Go earlier told reporters that he will try to seek for more incentives for Filipino athletes who have bagged medals for the country in order to further motivate them to train and work hard.

“I cannot speak on behalf of the President lalung lalo na po patapos na ang kanyang termino, lalung lalo na sa mga incentives ‘no. Pero, I will push for it. Kung kaya pa ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Duterte na magbigay isa-suggest ko po,” said Go earlier.

The Philippine Sports Commission would provide financial incentives to medal-winning athletes.