Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo and other Philippine Olympians who represented the country in the recently concluded Paris 2024 Olympics returned home on Tuesday, arriving at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
The delegation, which included bronze medalists Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio, was greeted by their loved ones and fellow athletes upon landing on a chartered Philippine Airlines flight from Dubai.
Also on the same flight were boxers Carlo Paalam, Hergie Bacyadan, and Eumir Marcial, along with track athletes John Cabang Tolentino and Lauren Hoffman, weightlifters John Ceniza, Elreen Ando, and Vanessa Sarno, and pole vaulter EJ Obiena.
Already in the Philippines were fencer Sam Catantan, judoka Kiyomi Watanabe, rower Joanie Delgaco, and swimmers Kayla Sanchez and Jarod Hatch, who joined the welcoming committee for the arriving delegation. However, five other Olympians—golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina, and gymnasts Levi Jung-Ruivivar, Emma Malabuyo, and Aleah Finnegan—were absent from the ceremonies as they had not yet returned to the country.
Following their arrival, the athletes were honored at Malacañang Palace by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who awarded them cash incentives and recognition for their achievements.
LOOK: Malugod na sinalubong ni Pang. @bongbongmarcos kasama ang First Family ang pagdating ng mga atletang Pilipino na sumabak sa #Paris2024 sa Malacañang para sa gagawing awarding ceremony para sa mga ito. | DZRH News
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) August 13, 2024
📷: RTVM/YT pic.twitter.com/BLtn73dsn2
"Binabati ko ang ating mga atleta na nakilahok sa Paris Olympics at bumalik na may dalang napakagandang resulta. Pinapaganda ninyo at pinapatingkad ninyo ang pangalan ng Pilipino kaya naman kami ay nagpapasalamat sa inyong lahat," said the President in his speech.
A 1 million peso incentive was given to each of the Filipino athletes.
LOOK: Paggawad ng Pangulong @bongbongmarcos ng P1-M sa mga atletang sumabak sa #Paris2024 | DZRH News
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) August 13, 2024
📷: RTVM/YT pic.twitter.com/MhHBLAFaJs
Meanwhile, the Office of the President awarded two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo a P20 million cash incentive and presented him with a Presidential Medal of Merit.
WATCH: Pagsabit ng Presidential Medal of Merit ni Pangulong @bongbongmarcos kay 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist Carlos Yulo at paggawad ng P20-M cash incentive mula sa Office of the President. | RH 14 @leth_narciso, DZRH News
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) August 13, 2024
📷: RTVM/YT pic.twitter.com/AJGlcO2Qsm
The Philippines recorded its best Olympic performance yet, securing two gold and two bronze medals.
A Heroes' Welcome parade is scheduled for Wednesday at 3 p.m., starting from Aliw Theater and concluding at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
