Manila, Jan. 21 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday led the granting of incentives to Filipino athletes who won medals at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand, announcing Palace-funded cash rewards that effectively double the incentives mandated under Republic Act (RA) 10699.

During the "Parangal at Pasasalamat sa mga Bayaning Atleta" ceremony held at the Foro de Intramuros in Manila, Marcos hailed the athletes' discipline, sacrifice, and contribution to nation-building.

"Pinagdiriwang natin ngayong araw ang dangal, tibay ng loob, at pambihirang kakayahan ng atletang Pilipino (Today, we celebrate the honor, resilience, and exceptional ability of Filipino athletes)," he said.

The President noted that about 2,00...