The Philippine delegation to the just-concluded 2024 Paris Olympics received Presidential Citations when they paid a courtesy call to President Marcos shortly after arriving home on Tuesday evening.
They were received at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañan Palace by Mr. Marcos and members of his family.
These citations celebrate the athletes’ outstanding performances and embody the Olympic ideals of excellence, respect, and friendship.
Carlos Yulo, who secured two gold medals in men’s floor exercise and vault, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Merit.
“I want to be part of the sports development of the Philippines… we have been left behind. Tell us what you need? We have to start to prepare for all the future international events. I’m sure we will meet again here the Palace,” Mr. Marcos said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Yulo’s historic wins marked the first-ever Olympic gold medals for the Philippines in artistic gymnastics.
The athletes, who led the country’s strong showing at the Olympiad touched down on a chartered flight at Villamor Airbase in Pasay City, where they received heroes’ welcome.
They had a quick reunion with their families and supporters at the airbase before being whisked off to Malacañan Palace to receive their Presidential awards.
Earlier, Presidential Communications Office Assistant Secretary Dale de Vera said incentives will be given to all Olympians and their coaches after the Philippines bagged two gold and two bronze medals in the recently concluded Paris Olympics.
“There will be incentives not just for the gold medalists, but for all the coaches and Olympians too,” he assured.
Moreover, a homecoming parade for Olympians was also organized and scheduled for August 14 to celebrate the country’s successful Olympic campaign.
The festivities will begin with a parade starting at 3:00 p.m. from Aliw Theater in CCP Complex in Pasay City to Rizal Memorial Sports Complex which will feature a mini program where fans can meet and greet the athletes.
De Vera said out of the 22 Olympians, 17 are expected to join the parade.
Five athletes will miss the event due to scheduled competitions leading up to the 2028 Olympics In Los Angeles, California.
The Philippines, with a total of four medals, achieved its best-ever performance at the Olympics, ranking 37th overall and surpassing its previous medal count from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline ‘You deserve it!’ Marcos awards incentives to Team Philippines athletes, coaches
