House lauds Yulo-led Paris Olympians in a reception

The House of Representatives on Wednesday hosted a reception to recognize two-time Olympic gold medallist Carlos Yulo and other 21 Filipino Olympians who valiantly represented the Philippines in the recently concluded Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Aside from Yulo, other Paris 2024 Olympians present during the reception were swimmers Jarod Hatch and Kayla Sanchez, trackster Lauren Hoffman, hurdler John Cabang Tolentino, boxers Aira Villegas, Nesthy Petecio, Eumir Marcial, Carlo Paalam, and Hergie Bacyadan, weightlifters John Ceniza, Elreen Ann Ando and Vanessa Palomar Sarno, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, rower Joanie Delgaco, and judoka Kiyomi Watanabe.

“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 said.

House of Representatives hosts a reception for the Filipino Paris 2024 Olympians led by two-time Olympic gold medallist Carlos Yulo @gmanews @gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/C4ft2uiXO1

— Llanesca T. Panti (@llanescajourno) August 14, 2024

Those who did not make the reception were United States-based Aleah Finnegan, Levi Jung Ruivivar and Emma Malabuyo of women's artistic gymnastics, golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina and fencer Sam Catantan.

Aside from Yulo, other Paris 2024 Olympic medalists for the Philippines were boxers Petecio and Villegas, who both secured bronze.

Obiena and Pagdanganan also narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth in their respective events.

Yulo received at least P14 million from the House of Representatives for his double-gold medal effort, while Petecio and Villegas each received P2.5 million for their bronze-medal winning performances.

The rest of the Olympians who did not finish on the podium were also granted P500,000 incentive each.

Two-time Olympic gold medallist Carlos Yulo receives Congressional Medal of Distinction, P6 million, among other incentives, for his record-setting Olympic feat from Speaker Martin Romualdez and other House leaders @gmanews @gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/YAy5hPRVfc

— Llanesca T. Panti (@llanescajourno) August 14, 2024

Romualdez then took the opportunity to call for the amendment of the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act.

“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,” Romualdez said.

(We need to amend our laws so we can provide support and aid to all of our athletes.)

Romualdez then said that, in light of such a review, the lawmakers will be meeting Philippine Sports Commission chairperson Dickie Bachmann and Philippine Olympic Committee President Bambol Tolentino for input. --VAL, GMA Integrated News