Palace lauds Gilas, still hopeful for Rio Olympics qualification

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Sunday congratulated members of the Gilas Pilipinas for representing the country in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship and expressed hopes that the team will qualify in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“Nakikiisa ang buong pamahalaan sa ating mga mamamayan sa pagpapaabot ng pagbati sa mga miyembro ng Gilas Pilipinas sa kanilang kahanga-hangang paglalaro sa 2015 FIBA Asia Championship na idinaos sa Changsha, China,” Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a radio interview.

“Sila ay isa sa dalawang pinakamahusay na koponan at nagwagi sila ng pilak na medalya,” he added.

Although the Philippine team failed to bag the gold medal against host and Olympic gold medalist China, the Palace still hopes Gilas Pilipinas can still qualify in the 2016 Olympics.

“Nananalig tayo na bagamat nagkaroon ng setback dito sa kanilang hangad na mag-qualify para sa 2016 Olympics, mayroon naman silang panibago pang pagkakataon sa darating na taon, at nananalig tayo na sila ay makakapaglakas at makakapagsanay para matamo na ‘yung pagbabalik ng Pilipinas sa 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games,”

The Palace lauded and recognized the gallant run each member of Gilas Pilipinas made in the 2015 FIBA Asia Champion held in Changsha, China.

Coloma said Gilas members led by Coach Tab Baldwin showed the true qualities of a Filipino player which includes bravery and playing with determination and full of heart that he said earned respect from the best Asian teams.

“Sa kabuuan ng kanilang paglalaro, ipinakita ng Gilas Pilipinas ang kanilang tapang at determinasyon, at hinarap nila ang lahat ng mga pagsubok. Hindi sila nagpatinag at nagpasindak at nakipagsabayan sa kanilang mga katunggali sa lahat ng aspekto ng laro,” Coloma said.

“Ipinakita nila ang natatanging uri ng paglalaro ng mga Pilipino na magiting, marubdob, at puno ng puso na siyang dahilan upang umani ng paghanga at respeto mula sa mga pinakamagagaling na koponan sa Asya,” he added.

The PCOO Secretary said the Palace is one with the nation in supporting the Gilas Pilipinas on their road to Olympics 2016.

“Kaya, muli, nakikiisa tayo sa pagsigaw ng ating mga mamamayan ng “Gilas Pilipinas, PUSO!” Coloma said.

The Gilas Pilipinas finished the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship with a silver medal on Saturday.

As part of the final four in FIBA Asia, they are already entitled to compete in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament slated in July 5 to 16, 2016 to officially qualify and participate in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

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