In a show of support and encouragement, the Office of Speaker Martin Romualdez handed cash assistance to the third batch of Filipino athletes representing the Philippines in the prestigious 2024 Paris Olympics.
Representing Romualdez, Deputy Speaker and Antipolo Rep. Roberto Puno turned over the cash assistance to five more Filipino Olympians in simple rites held at the House of Representatives Monday afternoon.
Puno is also the incumbent president of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP), the governing body for amateur boxing in the country.
“As we look forward to the Paris Olympics, I am filled with immense pride and admiration for our Filipino athletes who exemplify the spirit of excellence and resilience,” Romualdez said in his message to the Pinoy Olympians.
“This financial support is more than just a means to ensure you have the necessary resources to compete in Paris; it is a solemn affirmation that the House of Representatives and the entire nation are rooting for you in your quest to bring honor and glory for our country,” he said.
The Olympians who received the financial assistance include boxers Nesthy Petecio, Hergie Bacyadan, and Aira Villegas, as well as fencer Samantha Kyle Lim Catantan.
They were accompanied by Marcus Manalo, Executive Director of the ABAP.
Last May 30, the Office of the Speaker also provided financial assistance to two Paris-bound Filipino athletes, namely gymnasts Levi Jung-Ruivivar and Carlos Edriel Yulo.
A week earlier, the first batch of Olympians received similar financial assistance from Speaker Romualdez himself. They were weightlifters John Ceniza, Eireen Ando, and Vanessa Sarno, as well as rower Joanie Delgaco.
All the Filipino athletes who have qualified to represent the Philippines in the Paris Olympics stand to receive the same financial support from the Office of the Speaker.