Romualdez vows House to continue backing PH sports programs, athletes

August 4, 2024 admin

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives will continue supporting national sports programs so that the country can develop more athletes like Olympic Champion Carlos “Caloy” Yulo.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said Monday that Yulo’s successive victories at the 2024 Paris Olympics – a gold in the men’s artistic gymnastics final on Saturday night and another gold during the men’s vault finals on Sunday night – shows the potential of the country’s athletes.

“Caloy’s achievements have not only brought glory to the Philippines but have also highlighted the potential of our athletes to excel in the international arena,” he said.

“We will continue to support and invest in our sports programs to nurture and develop more world-class athletes like Caloy. His success is a shining example of hope and a source of inspiration for all of us,” he added.

READ: Gymnast Carlos Yulo gives PH its second Olympic gold

Romualdez also called Yulo a “once-in-a-century athlete” after his double gold at Paris, as this marked only the second and third time that the Philippines got the top spot at the Olympics after weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz’s victory in Tokyo in 2021.

“Carlos Edriel Yulo has proven himself to be a once-in-a-century Filipino athlete. His remarkable performance at the Paris Olympics, winning double gold in both the floor exercise and vault, is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and exceptional skill,” he said.

“(Yulo’s victories) have not only made the Philippines proud but also inspired millions of Filipinos, especially the youth, to pursue their dreams with passion and determination,” he added. “Behind every successful athlete is a team of dedicated coaches, supportive family members, and a community that believes in them. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to everyone who has been part of Caloy’s journey to greatness.”

Previously, the House leadership – through committee on appropriations chairperson and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co – said that Yulo and all gold medalists in the Olympics will get a P3 million award from the lower chamber.

READ: House to award Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo P3 million

This would be on top of all other rewards – in cash and in kind – that various public and private firms will give to Yulo for winning gold in the Olympics.

While the House has pledged P3 million for gold medalists, P2 million for silver medalists, and P1 million for bronze medalists, Romualdez’s office confirmed that Yulo will get a P6-million incentive aside from other cash grants that would come from a fund-raising campaign initiated by the Speaker.