Blessings continue to pour in for two-time Paris Olympics gold medalist Carlos Yulo, who received a P14 million incentive from the House of Representatives on Wednesday.
The 24-year-old gymnast visited the House to receive the recognition and incentive from Speaker Martin Romualdez, with contributions coming from over 300 congressmen.
Yulo was granted P6 million from the House as an institution, along with an additional P8 million from the collective contributions of lawmakers.
He was also honored with the Congressional Medal of Excellence in recognition of his two gold medal victories in the floor exercise and vault events.
“Salamat po sa mga nagpuyat para mapanood kami. Ang panalo po namin ay panalo nating lahat,” Yulo said in his message of gratitude.
Meanwhile, bronze medalists in boxing, Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio, each received P2.5 million during the same event.
The gathering was attended by other athletes, including EJ Obiena, Eumir Marcial, Carlo Paalam, Hergie Bacyadan, Jarod Hatch, Kayla Sanchez, Lauren Hoffman, John Cabang Tolentino, Hergie Bacyadan, John Ceniza, Elreen Ann Ando, Vanessa Palomar Sarno, rower Joanie Delgaco, and Kiyomi Watanabe.
Speaker Romualdez, in acknowledging the accomplishments of the Filipino Olympians, expressed his desire to amend the National Athletes, Coaches and Trainers Benefits and Incentives Act of 2001 to further increase the incentives for athletes.
“Our Olympians have become the inspiration of our nation. You have brought us honor, and your performances were a golden opportunity to show the world how great Filipinos are. We want to thank each and every one of you athletes, of course, the coaches and your family that all supported you, for you have made this all possible,” Romualdez stated.
“We aim to conduct a review of our legislation, Republic Act 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits Incentives Act. Kailangan amyendahan natin [itong batas] para maibibigay na suporta at tulong po sa lahat ng mga atleta natin,” he added.
Aside from the incentives from the House, Yulo also received a P40 million gift from the Office of the President and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
In addition, Megaworld Corp. awarded Yulo a condominium unit valued at P32 million.