TAGAYTAY CITY, CAVITE—In recognition of their outstanding achievements at the Paris Olympics, gymnast Carlos Yulo and boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas were awarded houses and lots by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).
According to Philippines News Agency, this gesture continues a tradition of honoring Olympic medalists, which began with Hidilyn Diaz [Naranjo] after her historic gold medal. “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,” Tolentino stated on Tuesday.
POC secretary general Wharton Chan detailed that Yulo’s reward includes two two-story houses with gazebos on a 500-square meter lot valued at around PHP15 million. Petecio and Villegas, meanwhile, will each receive a house situated on separate 200-square meter lots, equipped with basic amenities. This will be Petecio’s second home in Tagaytay City, adding to the one she received after her silver medal win at Tokyo 2020. She lives close to fellow silver medalist Carlos Paalam and bronze medalist Eumir Felix Marcial in the Olympic Village compound.
“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 remarked, highlighting the significant investment and sacrifice made by the athletes in their respective sports.
The locations of the new homes have not been disclosed, but Tolentino announced that the keys would be handed over to the Olympians in a forthcoming ceremony designed to celebrate their achievements. “The POC doesn’t think twice about these rewards; an Olympic medal, regardless of color, is the most precious medal in sports,” he concluded.