Romualdez vows House to continue backing PH sports programs, athletes

The House of Representatives will continue supporting national sports programs so that the country can develop more athletes like Olympic Champion Carlos “Caloy” Yulo, according to Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. [Meet the Team Philippines for the Paris Olympics 2024 Summer Games. INQUIRER FILES]

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said Monday that Yulo’s successive victories at the 2024 Paris Olympics – a gold in the men’s artistic gymnastics final on Saturday night and another gold during the men’s vault finals on Sunday night – shows the potential of the country’s athletes.

“Caloy’s achievements have not only brought glory to the Philippines but have also highlighted the potential of our athletes to excel in the international arena,” he said in a statement.

“We will continue to support and invest in our sports programs to nurture and develop more world-class athletes like Caloy. His success is a shining example of hope and a source of inspiration for all of us,” he added.

READ: Gymnast Carlos Yulo gives PH its second Olympic gold

In a later ambush interview at the Batasang Pambansa complex, Romualdez said House legislators are currently looking at budget allocations to ascertain that government agencies involved in sports are adequately funded.

“Well, obviously we are looking at our budget allocations to the sports program of the Philippines and we will work among others, not just with the Philippine Olympic Committee, the Philippine Sports Commission, and all the other sport agencies to make sure that our athletes are really supported,” he said.

“Definitely. We’ve always felt that in sports we not only develop the youth but we inspire them not to just do well but to have a very healthy lifestyle and that is good for the entire nation,” he added.

For Romualdez, Yulo is a “once-in-a-century athlete” for having won double gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Speaker noted that Yulo’s golden triumphs marked only the second and third time that the Philippines got the top spot at the Olympics after weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz’s victory in Tokyo in 2021.

“Carlos Edriel Yulo has proven himself to be a once-in-a-century Filipino athlete. His remarkable performance at the Paris Olympics, winning double gold in both the floor exercise and vault, is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and exceptional skill,” he said.

“(Yulo’s victories) have not only made the Philippines proud but also inspired millions of Filipinos, especially the youth, to pursue their dreams with passion and determination,” he added. “Behind every successful athlete is a team of dedicated coaches, supportive family members, and a community that believes in them. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to everyone who has been part of Caloy’s journey to greatness.”

Previously, the House leadership – through committee on appropriations chairperson and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co – said that Yulo and all gold medalists in the Olympics will get a P3 million award from the lower chamber.

READ: House to award Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo P3 million

This would be on top of all other rewards – in cash and in kind – that various public and private firms will give to Yulo for winning gold in the Olympics.

While the House has pledged P3 million for gold medalists, P2 million for silver medalists, and P1 million for bronze medalists, Romualdez said Yulo will get a P6-million incentive for winning two gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

According to the Speaker, the grants would come from a fund-raising campaign initiated by lawmakers.

“Yes, it’s a separate one and since there’s a second gold, it would be doubled […] There’s a second gold, right? So, we want to make sure that they are equally inspired and equally acknowledged and rewarded for their achievements,” Romualdez said.

“And beyond that I think we even look at the benefits that have been accorded like lifetime pensions, so it’s not only a one-time aid but we’re looking, we’ll be meeting with the President of SSS tomorrow and some proposal on how can we give them lifetime benefits sa (in the) pension system,” he added.

Aside from these, Yulo will likewise be rewarded with a congressional medal for his exceptional achievement and contribution to Philippine sports.