3 gymnasts, 2 golfers get P2M each

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PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday honored three gymnasts and two golfers who saw action in the Paris Olympic Games in a simple ceremony in Malacanang, awarding them P2 million and Presidential citations each.

The President handed a check for P1 million each to golfer Dottie Ardina and gymnasts Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo and Levi Jung-Ruivivar.

Another golfer, Bianca Pagdanganan, who finished fourth overall, failed to attend the event due to ongoing training overseas. She will also receive the same bonus.

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The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) also awarded the four athletes a check for P1 million each prior to the “meet and greet” with the President.

Last week, Marcos said the Office of the President is giving all Pinoy athletes who participated in the Paris Olympics P1 million each and their coaching staff P500,000 to match the incentive provided by Pagcor.

In an interview on the sidelines during the awarding ceremony, Marcos said a second reception was necessary after the five failed to attend the dinner reception that the First Family hosted in Malacanang last week due to some “mix up.”

The President said the five received the notice for the welcome reception in Malacañang late and were unable to return to the country on time for the August 14 event.

“Kaya’t sabi namin pareho naman iyung kanilang pinaghirapan, so dapat isama rin natin doon sa lahat ng mga pagtanggap sa ating mga Olympian na ating ginawa. Sayang lang, hindi nila naabutan ‘yung parada (We said they underwent the same difficulties so we should include them in the reception for all Olympians. It’s a shame that they did not make it to the heroes’ parade),” he said.

Marcos added he was happy the government was able to do “something extra for those that did not make it to the first one” (reception).

Twenty-two Filipino athletes competed in nine sports disciples in Paris, with Carlos Yulo bagging two gold medals in artistic gymnastics and boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas winning bronze medals each.

As a result, the Philippines finished 37th overall in the medal tally, the country’s highest finish in its Olympic participation in 100 years.

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