The Philippine Senate conferred the chamber’s medal of excellence to 2024 Olympic Games medalists Carlos Yulo, Nesthy Petecio, and Aira Villegas on Monday, August 19, during the chamber’s plenary session.
Yulo, Petecio, and Villegas, along with 10 other Filipino athletes who participated in the recently concluded Paris Olympics, were present at the Senate halls in person to receive the honors awarded by the chamber.
The Philippine centennial team, led by "Golden Boy" Carlos Yulo, is at the Senate for a ceremony honoring their achievements.
— Bilyonaryo News Channel (@BilyonaryoNews) August 19, 2024
Yulo, along with bronze medalists Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio, will receive a total of ₱5 million cash incentive from all 23 senators.
📸 Senate pic.twitter.com/zN8TLsEqHT
The Senate also awarded PHP 3 million to Yulo for winning two gold medals (PHP 1.5 medal for each medal), while Petecio and Villegas were awarded PHP 1 million each for winning bronze medals in their respective events.
In addition to the financial rewards, the Senate unanimously supported Senate Resolution No. (SRN) 1128, which was co-authored by all senators. This resolution, which took into account other related resolutions (SRNs 1129, 1132, 1140, 1141, and 1144), hailed and congratulated Team Philippines for their "impressive performance" at the 2024 Olympic Games.
Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. eloquently summarized the sentiment of the Senate and the nation by stating, "The historic and record-breaking achievements by the Filipino Olympians, which can be considered as the country’s best Olympics stint in history, prove that Filipinos are among the best and brightest in the global arena of sports." His statement resonates with the pride and admiration that the entire country feels towards these athletes, who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also inspired millions of Filipinos to strive for greatness.
The resolution highlighted the significance of the athletes' achievements, describing them as the "quintessence of Filipino spirit." This spirit, characterized by perseverance, discipline, and excellence, was on full display at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The resolution further emphasized that the athletes' participation in the quadrennial sporting event was more than just a quest for medals; it was a journey of unfolding historical milestones that would inspire future generations of Filipino athletes.
The Senate also passed a separate resolution honoring Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham Tolentino for his strong leadership and unwavering support for the country's athletes. Tolentino's leadership has been instrumental in the success of Filipino athletes in various international competitions, including the Asian Games and the Olympic Games. His dedication to the development of sports in the Philippines has helped create an environment where athletes can thrive and reach their full potential.
Carlos Yulo's performance at the 2024 Olympic Games was nothing short of spectacular. The young gymnast made history by becoming the first Filipino Olympic multi-gold medalist, winning two gold medals in the vault competition within 24 hours. His remarkable achievement not only cemented his status as the greatest Filipino Olympian of all time but also made him a national hero. Yulo's success at the Bercy Arena in Paris will be remembered as one of the greatest moments in Philippine sports history.
Yulo's achievements have not gone unnoticed, as he has been showered with accolades and rewards from various sectors. In addition to the PHP 3 million he received from the Senate, Yulo has accumulated cash incentives totaling PHP 40 million from various government organizations. He has also been recognized by private organizations, including Megaworld Corporation, which awarded him a three-bedroom, fully-furnished condominium unit worth PHP 32 million. The 24-year-old gymnast has reportedly received cash awards totaling around PHP 100 million, making him one of the most rewarded athletes in Philippine history.
The Philippines' success at the 2024 Olympic Games was not limited to Yulo's achievements. The country secured a total of four medals—two gold and two bronze—making it the best-performing Southeast Asian nation in the Olympics. The Philippines finished 37th in the overall rankings, its highest Olympic Games ranking since 1964. This historic performance has elevated the country's status in the global sports community and has inspired a new generation of athletes to dream big.
Boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas also made significant contributions to the Philippines' medal haul. Their bronze medals in their respective weight divisions were hard-earned and well-deserved. Petecio and Villegas demonstrated the resilience and fighting spirit that Filipino athletes are known for, and their achievements have brought immense pride to the nation.
The achievements of Carlos Yulo, Nesthy Petecio, Aira Villegas, and the entire Philippine Olympic team have set a new standard of excellence in Philippine sports. Their success at the 2024 Olympic Games is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of Filipino athletes. As the nation looks forward to future international competitions, there is no doubt that the legacy of these athletes will continue to inspire and motivate future generations.
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