President Rodrigo Duterte personally led the awarding of incentives to the Philippine Olympians in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and other athletes at Malacañang Palace on Monday (Aug. 23) night.
Olympic gold medalist in weightlifting Hidilyn Diaz was given the Presidential Medal of Merit, a housing unit, P15 million from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), and P3 million from the Office of the President.
Olympic silver medalists Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam and Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial were also recognized in the event, including weightlifter Elreen Ando and shooter Jayson Valdez.
Moreover, President Duterte awarded 1996 Olympic silver medalist Onyok Velasco with the Order of Lapu-Lapu.
“The medalists will receive the Order of Lapu-Lapu that is an honor given by the Republic of the Philippines to those who have excelled in something and brought honor to the country,” Duterte said.
A Presidential Citation was also given to the Olympians.
President Duterte also congratulated the president of Japan for the success of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“I also wish to congratulate Ambassador Kazuhiko for Tokyo’s successful hosting of the 2020 Olympics. May the upcoming 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo also become a resounding success,” Duterte said. – Report from Mela Lesmoras / CF-rir
