Filipina Olympians Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo, Levi Jung-Ruivivar, and Dottie Ardina finally met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday, August 22, at the Malacanang.
Malacanang arranged the meeting after a misunderstanding prevented the three gymnasts, and the golfer from joining their fellow Filipino Olympians in a welcome ceremony held last August 13.
"Noong nagpa-reception kami dito, wala sila, nagbabiyahe, at nagka-mix up. Huli na ‘yung pagkasabi sa kanila. Hindi na sila nakauwi," President Marcos told reporters on Thursday at the Malacanang.
"Kaya’t sabi namin pareho naman ‘yung kanilang pinaghirapan, so dapat isama rin natin doon sa lahat ng mga pagtanggap sa ating mga Olympian ng ating ginawa," the Chief Executive added.
Like their fellow Olympians, the four athletes also each received Php 1 million cash incentives, and Presidential Citation from the Office of the President.
Finnegan, Malauyo, Ruivivar, and Ardina also each received Php 1 million from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
However, President Marcos laments that the four could not take part in the Heroes' Parade last August 15.
"Sayang lang hindi nila naabutan ‘yung parada, pero at least lahat, everything else ay nagawa nila. So, we’re happy we were able to do something extra for those that did not make it to the first one," President Marcos said.
In an Instagram post on Monday, August 19, Ruivivar admitted that she felt hurt that she missed out on the first meeting of the Olympians with President Marcos, and the Heroes Parade.
The gymnast said that the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) told her that only Olympic medalists will take part in the two events.
"I was really hurt considering this was a once in a lifetime opportunity I missed out on. I wanted to be part of the celeberation with my fellow Olympians and to share in the excitement of the success of this Olympics with country, the Philippines," Ruivivar said.
"I truly wish I could have gone considering I have sacrificed endlessly to perform for my country and to make everyone proud," she added.
GAP president Cynthia Carrion apologized to the three gymnasts, and said that she learned of the events at 'the last minute'.
"I'm sorry. We did not get advice, early advice. You should have joined all our events. You should have been there. You are Olympians," Carrion said during a press conference on Saturday, August 17, which Finnegan and Malabuyo also attended.
