PINURI ni Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez ang Pinoy gymnast na si Carlos Edriel Yulo na isa umanong “sports hero” at “national treasure” sa kanyang natatanging ipinamalas na galing sa men’s final floor exercise kaya napaga-uwi ng gintong medalya mula sa Paris Olympics 2024.

Ayon kay Speaker Romualdez, ang makasaysayang tagumpay ni Yulo, na naghatid ng unang gintong Olympic medal sa Pilipinas sa larangan ng gymnastics at ikalawang gintong medalya ng Pilipinas sa Olympics ay isa umanong simbolo ng hindi natitinag na diwa at ang katatagan ng mga Pilipino.

Bago tumulak ang mga atleta sa Paris Olympics, nagpa-abot ng tulong pinansyal si Speaker Romualdez sa 22 atleta na kakatawan sa Pilipinas sa naturang kompetisyon.

Pinangunahan din ni Speaker Romualdez ang isang fundraising campaign sa Kamara para madagdagan ang cash incentives para kay Yulo.

“Today, we celebrate a monumental achievement that resonates deeply with every Filipino heart. Carlos Edriel Yulo has not only soared to the pinnacle of athletic excellence but has also emerged as a sports hero and national treasure, igniting a beacon of hope and inspiration for all Filipinos,” deklara ni Speaker Romualdez.

“Caloy’s dedication, talent, and unwavering spirit have brought immense pride and honor to our country. His tireless commitment to his sport, his relentless pursuit of excellence, and his ability to rise above challenges make him a true embodiment of the Filipino spirit. His achievements remind us all of the heights we can reach with perseverance and hard work,” dagdag pa nito.

Ayon kay Romualdez, kinikilala ng Kamara ang pangako nito na bibigyan ng P3 milyong cash incentive ang mananalo ng ginto sa Olympics.

“Caloy has earned this reward through sheer hard work and unmatched talent. This incentive is a testament to our unwavering support for Filipino athletes who strive for greatness on the global stage,” sabi ng lider ng Kamara.

Si Yulo ay gagawaran din ng Kamara ng congressional medal para sa kanyang natatanging tagumpay at kontribusyon sa Philippine sports.

“We celebrate Caloy’s outstanding contribution and his role as an inspiration to future generations of athletes. He is not just a champion; he is our sports hero and national treasure whose legacy will inspire countless young Filipinos,” sabi pa ni Speaker Romualdez.

Bukod sa P3 milyong ibibigay sa makaka-gintong medalya, ang Kamara ay magbibigay ng P2 milyon sa mananalo ng silver at P1 milyon sa mananalo ng bronze.

Ang Filipina boxer na si Aira Villegas, na nag-ugat sa Tacloban City, ay nakatitiyak na makapag-uuwi na ng medalya matapos talunin si Wassila Lkhadiri ng France sa women’s 50kg quarterfinals.

“As a fellow Taclobanon, I am incredibly proud of Aira, our Tacloban champion, for securing at least a bronze medal after her hard-earned victory against a French rival,” sabi ni Speaker Romualdez.

“With her tenacity and talent, Aira still has a chance to bring home either a silver or gold medal. Tacloban City and the entire country are cheering on her every step of the way,” dagdag pa ng lider ng Kamara. “Their victories are our victories. It is my personal pledge to support them in every way possible.”

Nanawagan naman si Speaker Romualdez sa mga Pilipino na magkaisa sa pagdiriwang ng makasaysayng tagumpay ng mga atletang Pilipino.

“Let us come together to honor Caloy, whose dedication and excellence have brought us immense pride and joy. His victory is not just a personal triumph; it is a triumph for every Filipino, a beacon of what we can achieve together,” dagdag pa ni Speaker Romualdez.