Duterte to give incentives, award Order of Lapu-Lapu to winning Pinoy athletes at SEA Games

President Rodrigo Duterte will give incentives to and confer the Order of Lapu-Lapu on Filipino athletes who will bag medals in the 30th Southeast Asian Games hosted by the Philippines, Malacañang said Thursday.

Duterte’s spokesperson Salvador Panelo made the announcement ahead of the opening ceremony on November 30, which is expected to be attended by the President.

“[T]he Palace wishes to announce that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will give incentives and even medals in the Order of Lapu-Lapu to the winning athletes,” Panelo said.

The Order of Lapu-Lapu is given to persons who have made exceptional contributions to the success of the government’s campaign or advocacy.

In this file photo taken July 24, 2019, Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Philippine Sports Commission officials pose with Filipino athletes during the 'Call for Unity for the 30th Southeast Asian Games' in Malacañang. Albert Alcain/PPD/File

FULL COVERAGE: 30th Southeast Asian Games on GMA News Online

The Philippines is fielding more than 1,000 athletes for the biennial games. The country won its first SEA Games overall championship in 2005 when it hosted the regional sports meet.

“To all the athletes participating in the games, we wish them the best of luck as they display their wares and talents in the competition,” Panelo said.  — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News