THE Pilipinas Sambo paid a courtesy visit to the Malacañang Palace and was warmly welcomed by President Rodrigo Duterte last Friday, April 13, following their outstanding performances in the First Southeast Asia (SEA) Sambo Championship at the Lagoon Hotel Sultan, Senayan in Jakarta.
Pilipinas Sambo secretary-general Paolo Tancontian, in a Facebook chat with VoxPop Davao, said the president lauded the 14-member Pilipinas Sambo for representing the country in the international scene, saying "Pagbutihin pa ninyo and make our country proud."
Duterte, according to Tancontian, also asked who among the 14 athletes were from Davao City.
Tancontian added that the short but meaningful words of the President boosted the team's morale especially to the athletes who hauled a total of five gold medals, one silver, and five bronzes during their debut stint.
Rene Catalan of Catalan Fighting System Philippines, Reydemtor Nacionales of Iflex Philippines, Patrick Manicad, Carls John de Tomas, and Roque Mana-ay were the athletes who captured the gold medals.
The silver haul is courtesy of Jess Salcedo while the bronzes were delivered by Czar and Mae Bayas, Palarong Pambansa-bound Ronnie Marielle Santiago, Jomary Torres and Ariane Fantilanan.
Dabawenyo multi-athlete Chino Sy Tancontian and second Dan judoka Alas Larida also competed.
Tancontian said: "Magandang start para sa federation kasi legit agad 'yung first tournament na nasalihan namin which is actually a Test Event ng Asian Games."
He added that officials of the Southeast Asian countries planned to strengthen and develop athletes and officials.
Tancontian also thanked Special Assistant to the President Christopher "Bong" Go and the Russian ambassadors in helping develop sambo sports in the country.
Go, in his message to the federation via Facebook, said: "Congratulations to the Pilipinas Sambo Federation, Inc. for winning 11 medals in the 1st Southeast Asian Sambo Championships held in Jakarta, Indonesia. Malaki po ang tiwala ko sa grupo niyo kaya all out po ang naging suporta ko sa inyo. Alam kong ginawa nyo ang buong makakaya nyo para mapanalunan ang medalya nyo."
Go added, "I commend your team once again, I know you will win more tournaments and competitions in the future. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas Sambo!"
The federation, meanwhile, is eyeing to field athletes to Mongolia this coming May 10 to 13 for the Asian Championships.
"Sa event na to ma-test natin yung chances natin maka-medal sa 2018 Asian Games kasi dito na talaga magkikita-kita ang mga Asian countries," Tancontian said, adding that Philippines has greater chances in the combat sambo given thatFilipinos are naturally savvy in striking.
