(Center) House Speaker Martin Romualdez and (right) gymnast Carlos Yulo (Speaker’s Office)

Two-time Olympic gold medalist and gymnast Carlos Yulo received a P14-million cash incentive from the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Aug. 14, for his history-making  performance in the just-concluded 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.

In addition to the P6 million that the House earlier pledged for winning two gold medals, the over 300-strong House also chipped in for an additional incentive amounting to P8.010 million.

The 24-year-old Yulo, who won gold in the floor exercise and vault event in men’s artistic gymnastics, also received a Congressional Medal of Excellence from leaders of the lower chamber headed by Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The special distinction is the highest award given to Filipino achievers in sports, science and arts, business, medicine, and culture.

In a short speech addressed to a joyful crowd of lawmakers, House employees, and the press, the ace gymnast expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to the triumphant display of every Filipino athlete in the Olympics.

“Maraming, maraming salamat po sa lahat po na nagdasal po sa amin at sumuporta, nagpuyat po, para mapanalo po ‘yung mga competitions namin,” Yulo said on behalf of the Philippine delegation.

(Many, many thanks to everyone who prayed for us and supported us, who stayed up late, for us to win our competitions.)

“Ang panalo po namin ay panalo po nating lahat (Our win is a win for all of us),” he emphasized.

Boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas, who each took home a bronze medal, received an additional P2.5 million each from contributions of House members. This is in addition to the P1 million that they each received for winning their medals.

The House also conferred Petecio and Villegas with the Congressional Medal of Distinction, for winning the bronze medal in the 57-kilogram boxing event and the 50-kilogram boxing event, respectively.

Meanwhile, each of the remaining 19 Olympic athletes representing the Philippines were given an additional P500,000 bonus  by the lawmakers.

“We recognize that the journey to Olympic glory is paved with countless hours of training, sacrifices, and moments of doubt. But you persevered. You kept your eyes on bringing pride and glory, and your hearts filled with the hopes of our people,” Speaker Romualdez said in a speech.

“And for that, you have become more than just athletes; you are our heroes,” he underscored.

The House leader says that the congressional awards and the medals the athletes won are a reminder of the collective effort behind their successes.

“Your coaches, your families, your friends, and the entire nation that cheered you on with every step, every jump, every stroke, and every lift,” Romualdez noted. 
 
“You have made us believe once again that we are capable of greatness,” he said.

“The Paris 2024 Olympics have once again brought to light the indomitable spirit of the Filipino people—a spirit that rises above challenges and stands tall on the world stage,” the Speaker stressed.