JAKARTA - 43 GOLDS KEEP RP IN 4TH PLACE

Manila, Oct. 20, 1997 - President Fidel Ramos congratulated the Philippine Team for bagging 43 gold, 57 silver and 109 bronze medals in the 19th South East Asian Games that ended in Jakarta yesterday.

"I congratulate all the participants in the SEA Gams, particularly the medallists, who executed their best for the greater glory and honor of our beloved Philippines," the President's message said. Heading the delegation is the president's daughter, Cristina Ramos-Jalasco who is also president of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Mr. Ramos said the entire nation awaited with great joy and expectation the return of the Filipino athletes whose performance were an affirmation of the spirit of teamwork "so vital to the achievement of goals and a clear manifestation of the continuing zeal and resolve with which the present leadership has been pursuing its mission of spreading and developing physical fitness and sports for all."

The Philippine contingent returns home from Jakarta this week amidst criticism over their performance, placing fourth behind Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.