THE Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has continued its tradition of rewarding Olympic medalists with house and lot gifts.
In recognition of their outstanding achievements at the Paris 2024 Olympics, gymnast Carlos Yulo, who won two gold medals, and boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas, who each earned a bronze medal, have been gifted with new homes.
POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino announced on Tuesday that Yulo would receive a two-story house on two lots totalling 500 square meters, valued at approximately P15 million. The homes will feature gazebos and other amenities.
Petecio, who previously received a home for her silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, will now be adding another residence in Tagaytay City.
She will be joining fellow Olympic medalists Carlos Paalam and Eumir Felix Marcial in the Olympic Village compound.
Both Petecio and Villegas will each receive a bungalow on a 200-square meter lot, complete with basic amenities.
Tolentino emphasized that these rewards are well-deserved for the athletes’ dedication, hard work, and exceptional performances on the world stage.
“It’s now a tradition, first Hidilyn Diaz [Naranjo] deserved all the best for giving the country its first Olympic gold medal and now, it’s the turn of Caloy [Yulo], Nesthy and Aira to be feted with the same reward for their historic efforts,” POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said on Tuesday.
“All the rewards and bonuses that go our medalists’ way are well-deserved, it’s not easy to medal in the Olympics, it takes years, it takes focus, discipline and determination,” Tolentino said.
“These athletes invested their lives into the sports they love and now, they’re reaping the fruits of their sacrifices,” he added.
Tolentino withheld announcing the locations of the homes, but would be turning over the keys to the medalist Olympians in a ceremony fit for champions.
“The POC doesn’t think twice about these rewards, an Olympic medal, regardless of color, is the most precious medal in sports,” said Tolentino as he thanked the POC Board for showing full gratitude to the efforts of Yulo, Petecio and Villegas.
