Gymnasts Karl and Elaiza Yulo may no longer represent the City of Manila in the coming Batang Pinoy 2024 competitions in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan after two other local government units (LGUs) have shown serious interest in adopting the Yulo siblings.
“Several LGUs have approached us about having the kids represent their teams, especially for Batang Pinoy,” said the Yulos’ mother, Angelica in Filipino. “As parents, we cover all expenses for Batang Pinoy, unlike other LGUs that fully support their athletes.”
She emphasized that assistance with plane tickets and accommodation would significantly help.
“Kanya-kanyang gastos kasi kaming parents kapag batang Pinoy, unlike sa ibang LGUs na sagot talaga nila ang gastos ‘pag nag-compete. especially ‘pag dala nila uniform ng kanilang lugar,” she added.
She revealed that Calamba and Meycauayan have shown serious interest and have promised to process the younger Yulo’s residency.
Athletes from Manila have long desired more proactive support from the city government for grassroots athletes competing in regional and local competitions and those participating in international events.
Other LGUs, such as Cebu, Baguio, and Ormoc, have enacted ordinances providing incentives for athletes who win medals in local and international competitions.
For example, Ormoc awards P50,000 for gold medalists, P30,000 for silver, and P20,000 for bronze from the recent Palarong Pambansa.
Angelica’s elder son, Carlos Yulo, has represented Manila in many local competitions and brought pride to the city through his global achievements. He is set to compete in the Paris Olympics, aiming for a medal.
Like Yulo, EJ Obiena, also from Manila, is expected to perform well in the coming Olympiad.
Angelica vows to nurture and support her other children to Olympic success, with several LGUs committed to support them if they carry their banners in future events.
Elaiza recently won four individual golds, the overall artistic team gold and a silver in the vault event at the Palarong Pambansa held in Cebu.
In last year’s Batang Pinoy, Elaiza earned two golds, while Karl was the most bemedalled athlete with seven golds, dominating the Boys’ FIG Juniors 14-17 categories.
Karl and Elaiza are set to compete again in this year’s Batang Pinoy in Puerto Princesa, potentially representing a new LGU.
