With no less than President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowing full support, backed by top sports officials of the country, the 840-man Philippine delegation is exuding confidence as it prepares to do battle 10 days from now in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

“Handang-handa na ako for the gold medal!” gushed 2021 SEA Games bronze medalist and Philippine Vovinam team member Emmanuel Cantores. “Salamat sa mga sports officials natin kasama si President Bongbong Marcos na nagpakita ng suporta sa aming mga atleta, kaya ganadong-ganado akong lumaban para sa bayan!”

The enthusiasm felt by the Philippine athletes was overwhelming.

“Napakasaya pong pakinggan na ang ating Presidente ay very supportive po sa aming mga atletang Pilipino. Isa po iyon sa mga motivations po namin sa team,” said two-time SEA Games gold medalist Phillip Delarmino, who will vie for another gold medal in Cambodia’s Kun Bokator event.

“Ang goal lagi is to aim for the gold and for the best. Hopefully, this is the year that we can bring that gold. Good luck sa ating lahat. Gawin natin ang best natin at lahat ng ating makakaya. Laban Pilipinas!” stated national karateka Ricca Torres who is out to better her two bronze performance in previous SEAG editions.

In his message, Marcos wished the Philippine contingent good luck during the send-off ceremony held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City last Monday, April 24.

“One of the greatest pleasures I have found, being the leader, is to be able to give honor and to recognize, hopefully to inspire, and to provide support to our athletes, who are in fact our ambassadors in sport and play a very, very important part beyond just their participation in such important sporting events,” the President said in his speech.

“If there is anything more that this government can do, that this administration can do, that I personally can do, please make sure to tell me because we are all rooting for you. And we all want to do everything that we can do to make you as successful as you possibly can in your chosen events,” added Marcos.

PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann expressed gratitude to President Marcos for the overwhelming support for Filipino athletes, “It’s always good that the President and the country support our athletes. That’s a good morale booster and hopefully we all do well compared to last year. We’re all praying for that,” said Bachmann who is on his first major international games as PSC chief.

“The PSC is behind all our national athletes. All the commissioners and myself will be there to watch all the games,” assured Bachmann.

Team Philippines will be vying in 38 sports from May 5 to 17.