MANILA — Carlos Yulo declared Tuesday (13 Aug 2024) night that his historic triumph in the recently-concluded Paris Olympics was not just his own but belongs to the entire Philippines.
“This is our victory,” Yulo shared with the media upon arriving at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Tuesday night.
Yulo, along with boxing bronze medalists Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio, led the Philippine Olympic team as they returned home to a warm welcome. After a journey from Paris to Dubai and finally to Manila, the team landed at around 7:10 p.m. on a Philippine Airlines chartered flight.
At the Maharlika hangar, they were greeted by their families, a military drum and bugle corps, and enthusiastic students from Villamor Air Base Elementary School, all waving flags in celebration.
The highlight of the night was Yulo, who was greeted enthusiastically alongside Petecio. The team then made their way to Malacañan Palace, where they were welcomed by the First Family.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. distributed incentives from the Office of the President and PAGCOR, awarding P2 million each to the 19 non-medalists, another P2 million each to Petecio and Villegas, and P20 million to Yulo.
In compliance with the law, Yulo will receive an additional P20 million (P10 million per gold medal), while the boxers will each receive an additional P2 million, both from PAGCOR funds.
The Palace dinner was also attended by other Olympians, including EJ Obiena, John Tolentino, Lauren Hoffman, and others. Several team members, including gymnasts Aleah Finnegan, and Levi Ruivivar, and golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina, were not yet in the country.
On Wednesday (14 Aug 2024), a motorcade will take place, starting from Aliw Theater in Pasay City at 3 p.m. before proceeding through the streets of Manila to the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
(ia/mnm)
