Sa isang pahayag, sinabi ni Presidential Spokesperson at Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo na saludo rin ang Malacanang sa lahat ng atleta at support staff ng iba’t ibang bansa matapos ang matagumpay na SEA Games.
“Congratulations as well to the members of the Philippine contingent for becoming the overall champion of this biennial regional sports event, with a record-breaking 149 gold medals, constituting a substantial part of the total 385 medals our country received,” sabi ni Panelo.
Nagtapos ang SEAG nitong Miyerkules kung saan isinagawa ang closing ceremony sa Clark Field, Pampanga.
“All of you did a wonderful job giving pride and honor to your respective countries. Your very presence here alone means you are all winners,” ayon pa kay Panelo.
Ani Panelo pormal na isinasalin ng Pilipinas sa Vietnam ang pagho-host ng 2021 SEAG.
“As we officially hand over the hosting chores of the 2021 SEA Games to Vietnam today, we look back at the high emotions, the broken records, the blood, sweat and tears of our athletes and their coaches,” dagdag ni Panelo.
Sinabi ni Panelo na masaya ang Pilipinas na hindi lamang nakakuha ng medalya ang lahat “ng kalahok na bansa kundi ang dadalhing masasayang karanasan ng bawat atleta.
“We likewise witnessed harmony, camaraderie and sportsmanship prevailing among countries in Southeast Asia, not to mention the mesmerizing performances in the opening ceremonies and the jovial infectious mood that engulfed the thousands of attendees,” sabi pa ni Panelo.
“We are happy in the Philippines not only because all participating countries secured medals but for the other reason that their athletes will be bringing wonderful and unforgettable memories with them to their homes. Indeed, #WeWinAsOne.”