The Manila City government on Thursday, October 17, awarded a PHP 500,000-cash incentive to Filipino teen gymnast Carlos Yulo, a world champ gold medalist and a true-blue Manileño.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso personally turned over the cash award to Yulo as the world gymnastics champion paid a courtesy call at the City Hall.
Yulo was joined by Japanese coach Munehiro Kugimiya, who had provided the Filipino champion an intensive training in Tokyo.
Likewise, the Manila City Council led by Vice Mayor Dr. Honey Lacuna-Pangan passed a resolution “conferring the highest honors” to Yulo for being the first Filipino world champion in gymnastics.
Yulo is hailed by many as a true “Batang Maynila,” having been raised in Leveriza, Malate, and having been a product of Aurora Quezon Elementary School and Adamson University in Manila.
“His interest in gymnastics was developed as he grew up watching Filipino gymnasts train and compete at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex,” the City Council resolution read.
“A diminutive Manileño has carved a niche that signals the emergence of a powerhouse in the world of gymnastics that should inspire his countrymen,” it added.