Homecoming: Philippine Olympians return to heroes' welcome in Malacañang
After an eventful 19 days at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Team Philippines has finally returned home.
The 22 Filipino athletes who had competed in their respective sports at the prestigious competition received a heroes' welcome from Pres. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and the First Family at the Malacañang Palace.
The athletes proudly walked the red carpet before shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with Marcos Jr. as well as his wife Liza Araneta-Marcos and their two sons William and Joseph.
Gymnast Carlos Yulo, who achieved two gold medals, was the last one to greet the chief executive.
Afterwards, the athletes and the First Family entered the assembly area where they received a warm round of applause from other state officials.
In his speech, Carlos expressed his gratitude to Filipinos who went out of their way to support them as they competed in the Olympics.
"Maraming, maraming salamat po sa mga taong nagdasal, nagtake ng effort magpuyat para panoorin po 'yung Olympics at masaksihan po 'yung mga pinag-trainingan po namin ng mga atletang Pilipino," he said.
Yulo continued, "Sa lahat ng atleta, sobrang proud po ako na pinaglaban natin, binigay po natin 'yung best natin sa lahat. Dugo't pawis yung inalay natin. Hindi pa nagsisimula 'yung competition, sobrang proud na proud na ako sa inyong lahat, at ngayong tapos na 'yung competition, i-celebrate natin 'yung mga nakuha nating resulta, at mas galingan pa natin sa mga susunod na competition."
P1 million for each Olympian
Marcos Jr. later praised Team Philippines for representing the country at the international games and for their astounding performance during their respective matches.
"You have shown the spirit of the Filipino, the determination of a Filipino, and excellence of the Filipino spirit, and that's what you have shown to us," he highlighted.
With this, Marcos Jr. could not help but reflect on what the government can do to help local athletes more.
"Ano kaya pwede nating maitulong sa ating mga atleta?" he said. "I thought what we should do is really recognize all the athletes. I think any athlete, kahit sinong atleta, dito sa Pilipinas o kung saan man lang na makapag-qualify sa Olympics, mabigat 'yun."
On top of the cash incentive medalists will receive from the government, Marcos Jr. said P1 million will be given to each Olympian while their coaching staff will get P500,000 from the Office of the President.
"I want to be part of the development of sports in the Philippines," the president said. "I ask all of you to tell us, what is it that you need? Sa pagtraining ng mga atleta natin, saan kayo nahirapan? Anong 'di niyo nagawa na maitutulong namin? You tell us."
Afterward, the 22 athletes were awarded a presidential citation to recognize their achievement at the Olympics and a P1 million check.
Carlos was meanwhile awarded P20 million and a Presidential Medal of Merit for winning two golds, while boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio, who achieved one bronze each, were given P2 million.
Apart from Carlos, Aira, and Nesthy, other athletes who competed at the Paris games include pole-vaulter Ernest John "EJ" Obiena, boxers Eumir Marcial, Carlo Paalam and Hergie Bacyadan, gymnasts Aleah Finnegan, Levi Ruivivar and Emma Malabuyo, weightlifters Vanessa Sarno, Elreen Ando and John Ceniza, rower Joanie Delgaco, fencer Sam Catantan, golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina, swimmers Kayla Sanchez and Jarod Hatch, judoka Kiyomi Watanabe, and hurdlers Lauren Hoffman and John Cabang Tolentino.
The multi-sport event occurred from July 26 to Aug. 11 in France.
