Filipino Athletes Deserve More Gov't Support, Netizens Say

Clinching one gold after another, Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo has written history for ruling the floor exercise and vault in the men's artistics gymnastics competition of the Paris 2024 Olympics. The 24-year-old is now the Philippines' first-ever Olympian to win a medal of any color in the sport, and the only homegrown athlete to become a two-time Olympic champion.

And it's not just Yulo who is raising the flag in the Olympics. Other Filipino athletes still in contention include boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas, who are both assured of at least a bronze, and pole vaulter EJ Obiena, who is vying for the much coveted medal in the final round on August 6.

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It's a shame to think that all these Olympians give their blood, sweat, and tears to bring glory and pride to the Philippines, despite the lack of support and recognition for their craft. For so long, many sports have remained out of the limelight, as if the country had nothing to learn from decades of sending its athletes to compete in the international arena.

So, just like in 2021, when Filipina weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz brought home the first Olympic gold from the 2020 Tokyo Games, and during many other historic championships before that, Filipinos once again took to social media to urge the government to finally address the needs of its very own athletes.

As this social media user said back then: “Proud lang kayo kapag nananalo, pero 'di naman sapat ang pondo (You're only proud when Filipino athletes win, but you never fund them enough).”

Fast forward to 2024, @claribabes on X hopes the basketball-loving country's recent victories in the Paris Olympics will serve as a “wake-up call” to support athletes across all disciplines.

This netizen echoes the sentiment of many supporters—believing in the potential of every Filipino athlete to win a gold medal.

“I hope our athletes will receive the financial support they deserve, so they could train well and prepare more for their own dreams and fulfill their desired service for our country.”

X user @cursedMARLBOR0, meanwhile, could not help but get emotional, as he emphasizes the extraordinary efforts of Filipino Olympians.

“It's about rising above the occasion despite the lack of support from the government,” his tweet reads. “Every Filipino in the Olympics right now is performing a miracle.”

Some personalities did not hesitate to join the appeal, including film director Tonet Jadaone, who took a swipe at politicians, companies, and brands rewarding the winning Filipino athletes.

“I hope all those brands and politicians gifting our athletes each time they emerge victorious in the Olympics could think about supporting them even when they are only training,” says Jadaone.

More than just offering support, @johzengil on X points out the Philippines should focus on developing programs for coaches and educators, putting more spotlight on the different sports. This, he says, will likely pave the way for more Filipinos to engage in sports.

“Let the youth know that a career in sports does not only mean being the athlete [themselves].”

It’s about time the government listens to the public. So, hopefully, we will no longer feel this way every time we celebrate the victory of our athletes.

“Feels good to be a Filipino tonight! Bukas, hindi na ulit! (Tomorrow, it won't be the same again).”