SEA Games: Ramirez hopes to see Filipino athletes sustain good showing

Philippine delegates wave flags during the opening ceremony of the 30th South East Asian Games at the Philippine Arena, Bulacan province, northern Philippines on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—Three days into the 30th Southeast Asian Games, Team Philippines chef de mission Butch Ramirez continues to see brighter days ahead for Filipinos athletes in various competitions.

The confidence of Ramirez, also the chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, is understandable, especially that the country has been reaping success from its hosting with 47 gold medals (as of 7pm) across several sports.

“We are riding on this positive wave and continue to hope that we can sustain this good performance,’’ said Ramirez after athletes from dancesport, arnis, triathlon, cycling, sepak takraw significantly delivered.

World champion gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo and Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz likewise proved their worth as well as double-gold wushu artist Agatha Wong and both the men’s and women’s 3×3 basketball teams.

“After three days of intense competition, and with Team Philippines performing magnificently in the face of world-class foes, I would like to send my message of congratulations to all who fought valiantly to uphold national pride,’’ said Ramirez. “You are all winners to us!’’

Filipino athletes also collected 29 silver medals and 16 bronzes as of 7 p.m. Tuesday while Vietnam is running second overall with a medal tally of 18 golds, 24 silvers and 18 bronze built on victories in kurash, weightlifting and arnis.

At far third is Indonesia, which scored important triumphs in shooting, wushu, weightlifting for a 10-14-13 record.

“We still have many days of battle ahead of us, but I remain steadfast in my belief in our national team. I know that they are intent on delivering pride and honor for the country,’’ said Ramirez.

On his second tour of duty as chef de mission in the SEA Games, the PSC chief was the architect of the country’s first-ever overall title in the 2005 Manila Games.

According to Ramirez, his deputy CDMs have been doing the rounds in their respective clusters to ensure that all requirements of the team are met, including moral, logistical, medical and technical support.

“I again enjoin every Filipino, wherever you are in the world, let us all rally behind our national team. Let us continue to support and pray for their continued success,’’ said Ramirez.