NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
President Marcos Jr. Cheers On Filipino Olympians With Cash Incentives And Presidential Citations
Photo credit: PCO
In a warm and heartfelt ceremony at Malacañan Palace on Thursday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. honored four exceptional Filipino Olympians who missed last week’s festivities. Olympic golfer Dottie Ardina and gymnasts Aleah Finnegan, Emma Lauren Malabuyo, and Levi Jung-Ruivivar were the stars of the day, receiving PhP1 million each from the Office of the President as a token of appreciation for their incredible efforts in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The ceremony wasn’t just about the money—though that’s always a welcome bonus! The athletes were also awarded a presidential citation and a special jacket, which they can proudly wear as a symbol of their accomplishments. The citation recognized their "exemplary performance" in the Olympics, highlighting how they embodied the ideals of excellence, respect, and friendship—values that make the entire nation proud.
President Marcos took the time to explain that Thursday’s event was specially arranged for these athletes who couldn’t attend the earlier ceremony. “They worked just as hard, so we wanted to make sure they received the same recognition,” the President shared. Although they missed out on the grand parade, the President ensured they didn’t miss out on the honor and appreciation they deserved.
Golfer Bianca Pagdanganan was also invited but couldn’t attend as she’s currently in the United States. Don’t worry, though—she won’t miss out on her PhP1 million incentive!
As if that wasn’t enough, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) also chipped in with a symbolic check worth PhP1 million for each of the athletes before the ceremony.
This celebration follows the grand "Pagbibigay Dangal: A Heroes’ Welcome" event last week, where President Marcos honored the Philippines’ Paris 2024 Olympians. Double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo received a hefty PhP20 million and a Presidential Medal of Merit, while bronze medalists Aira Cordero Villegas and Nesthy Alcayde Petecio took home PhP2 million each. The rest of the Olympians didn’t go home empty-handed either—they received PhP1 million each, with their coaching teams getting PhP500,000 as a sweet bonus.
The ceremony wasn’t just about the money—though that’s always a welcome bonus! The athletes were also awarded a presidential citation and a special jacket, which they can proudly wear as a symbol of their accomplishments. The citation recognized their "exemplary performance" in the Olympics, highlighting how they embodied the ideals of excellence, respect, and friendship—values that make the entire nation proud.
President Marcos took the time to explain that Thursday’s event was specially arranged for these athletes who couldn’t attend the earlier ceremony. “They worked just as hard, so we wanted to make sure they received the same recognition,” the President shared. Although they missed out on the grand parade, the President ensured they didn’t miss out on the honor and appreciation they deserved.
Golfer Bianca Pagdanganan was also invited but couldn’t attend as she’s currently in the United States. Don’t worry, though—she won’t miss out on her PhP1 million incentive!
As if that wasn’t enough, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) also chipped in with a symbolic check worth PhP1 million for each of the athletes before the ceremony.
This celebration follows the grand "Pagbibigay Dangal: A Heroes’ Welcome" event last week, where President Marcos honored the Philippines’ Paris 2024 Olympians. Double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo received a hefty PhP20 million and a Presidential Medal of Merit, while bronze medalists Aira Cordero Villegas and Nesthy Alcayde Petecio took home PhP2 million each. The rest of the Olympians didn’t go home empty-handed either—they received PhP1 million each, with their coaching teams getting PhP500,000 as a sweet bonus.
Aug 23, 2024
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