As of writing, our double-golden boy Carlos Yulo is set to receive at least P16 million in cash, a P24-million condo unit, a house and lot in Tagaytay, and even a lifetime of free buffet. And the list will only get longer.
We can all agree that a podium finish in the Olympics is priceless. But we can also agree that Filipino athletes, who excel against all third world odds, should also get tangible rewards that could help uplift their lives, as they so rightfully deserve.
Hidilyn Diaz’s historic win three years ago did not just bring honor to our country, it also paved the way for more support from both government and the private sector, including well known companies and brands.
Almost immediately after Hidilyn clinched the gold in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, incentives came pouring in. In total, our weightlifting queen and sports icon received a total cash incentive of over P50 million on top of other pledges such as house and lots, condominiums, and even lifetime free flights. Of course, a queen deserves royal treatment no less.
Thanks to Hidilyn’s precedent, our centennial athletes battling it out in Paris could take inspiration in knowing that several incentives await them should they bring home a medal.
For starters, Republic Act 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, states that Olympic gold medalists are entitled to P10 million from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), as well as an Olympic Gold Medal of Valor. Olympic silver and bronze medalists, meanwhile, are entitled to P5 million and P2 million respectively.
Female boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio, who have both booked a semis ticket and secured at least a bronze medal, are now assured of the P2 million cash incentive. We are all rooting for them to make it all the way to gold.
Under the said act, all national athletes and coaches are also entitled to benefits such as a 20% discount from a broad range of establishments and services from hotels to transportation, as well as for leisure purposes including theaters, concert halls, and even “carnivals.”
They can also avail of free medical and dental consultations in government hospitals; are provided coverage in the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) of Philhealth; and are given a comprehensive social security program through the SSS, among other benefits from the government.
The International Container Terminal Services Inc. offers P5 million to gold medal-winning Philippine Athletics and Track and Field Association athletes, which includes EJ Obiena, John Cabang, and Lauren Hoffman. Silver and bronze medalists will be offered smaller amounts.
But as we have seen in the case of our Olympic medalists from the Tokyo games, private entities have also stepped up to provide them with a slew of well deserved incentives.
From the moment we all realized that Caloy has, indeed, bagged the gold, X users (formerly Twitter), have started tagging entities that have promised incentives to Olympic medalists to make sure that they will keep true to their word. X user @saintnierva, for instance, has started a thread where we could track the list of incentives and pledges for Caloy.
Megaworld has confirmed that our history-making gymnast has a fully furnished three-bedroom unit in McKinley Hill valued at P32 million (upgraded from the initial two-bedroom unit worth P24 million) waiting for him when he comes home. He will also have his own house and lot in Tagaytay, a personal gift from Philippine Olympic Commission president and city Mayor Bambol Tolentino. The question is, will he get one for each gold medal?
The House of Representatives has also pledged to provide a P3 million cash gift for the two-time World Champion and now two-time Olympic gold medalist, as confirmed by House appropriations panel chair Rep. Elizaldy Co (Ako Bicol).
Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna said that Caloy is set to be given a hero’s welcome and cash incentive of yet an unspecified amount. “The grandest welcome will greet him and all our Paris Olympians. When we meet him, we will present Carlos Yulo cash incentives, awards and symbols of the eternal gratitude of the proud Capital City of the Philippines,” Mayor Lacuna said.
Caloy is set to come home to a slew of cash and non-cash incentives. And yes, we weren’t kidding about the free lifetime buffet.
Caloy need not spend a dime on buffets anymore as he’s entitled to a lifetime of free buffet from Vikings, as well as a lifetime of free food and drinks at all Tipsy Pig branches and JT’s Inasal Kalayaan branch. Dozens other dining establishments offered him a lifetime of free ramen, chicken, bacsilog, and so many other food and beverage perks.
He can further spruce up his new condo unit or Tagaytay retreat as Apollo Furniture Depot has also pledged P100,000 worth of furniture, while Nexa Engineering will provide him a lifetime of free engineering design.
Just a few hours ago Bounty Fresh Group Holdings Inc. pledged a P3 million cash gift for Caloy’s historic double gold.
We can expect the list to only get longer and I’m sure we all the same thought: DESERVED! Maraming salamat, Caloy! We are so very proud of you, our double-golden boy!
