Senator Pia Cayetano is rallying behind the Filipino athletes heading to the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics, scheduled from July to September.
On the eve of the official send-off for the Philippine delegation, Cayetano put the spotlight on the arduous journey of these athletes and para-athletes to qualify for the esteemed global sporting event.
The senator expressed her pride in the nation’s Olympians and Paralympians. “I want our Olympians and Paralympians to know that we are proud of them. The fact that they have reached this far, we are already very proud of them,” she affirmed.
Cayetano underscored the vital need for robust support systems, including sufficient funding, to ensure the athletes’ success. She acknowledged their contributions in bringing pride and joy by representing the entire nation in the quadrennial competition.
“We want them to reach that level. It’s part of our job to support our athletes,” she stated, assuring that legislative measures are in place to provide the necessary financial backing.
A former student-athlete and national volleyball player, Cayetano has long been a staunch advocate for the welfare of Filipino athletes. She has actively supported various student-athletes and national athletes, including track and field star EJ Obiena and gymnast Carlos Yulo.
As the Senior Vice Chairperson of the Senate’s Finance Committee, Cayetano has been instrumental in securing funding for athletic programs at State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and spearheading the construction of an athletes’ dormitory at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.
Cayetano’s commitment extends beyond elite sports. She is also supporting grassroots sports. Her advocacy arm, Pinay In Action (PIA), has been a vital force in promoting sports throughout the country, conducting numerous sports clinics and tournaments for nearly two decades.
