August 4 eyed to be declared as ‘Carlos Yulo Day’ in Manila

THE CELEBRATION of Carlos Yulo’s historic win at the Paris 2024 Olympics might continue in the following years as the local government of Manila plans to create a new holiday in the gymnast’s honor.

Reports said that the country’s capital city is set to file a resolution to declare August 4 as “Carlos Yulo Day.”

The said date was when the 24-year-old gymnast won his second gold medal in the men’s vault final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, making history as the first Filipino to become a two-time gold medalist in a single Olympics.

If approved, August 4 will be a working holiday.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna also said the city will hold separate rites for Yulo on Monday, August 19, and award him with additional financial incentives.

“May financial incentive din po tayo na P1M per gold po,” Lacuna told DWPM Radyo 630.

The Manila City government awarded pole vaulter EJ Obiena with a P500,000 cash incentive for giving “a thrilling performance” in the Olympic Games.

Despite not winning an Olympic medal, the 28-year-old Manileño did not fail to make the Philippines proud with his fourth-place finish in the men’s pole vault finals.

Millions worth of incentives

On Wednesday, the country held a heroes’ parade for Filipino athletes who competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics. They arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday and were welcomed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the First Family at the Malacañang Palace.

Yulo, who was conferred with the Presidential Medal of Merit, received an additional P20M from the Office of the President for winning two gold medals. 

This is equivalent to the P20M incentive Yulo will receive under the Republic Act No. 10699 or the National Athletes, Coaches and Trainers Benefits and Incentives Act.

The double Olympic gold medalist also received his P32M fully furnished three-bedroom condominium unit from Megaworld Corporation. The conglomerate also pledged to reward Yulo with a P3M cash incentive.

Additionally, Yulo received a P14M cash incentive from the House of Representatives.