The Order of Lapu-Lapu is a national order of merit conferred by the President to individuals who rendered ‘invaluable or extraordinary service’ to the nation.

“It is not an every day occurrence that we receive such an honor from our citizens… You went to Tokyo to fight and you did your best. The Filipino people appreciate it… You all won in that (regard),” said the President in a Press Release on Tuesday.

“Those who participated in the events brought honor to the country irrespective (of whether you won or not). I do not care about winning and that is why all of you will receive an additional P200,000… Kung tingin niyo medyo kulang pa, sabihin niyo lang at dagdagan pa natin,” he added.

In return for the Filipino athletes’ outstanding Olympic campaign, the President awarded silver medalists Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio P2 million each, while bronze medalist Eumir Marcial will receive P 1 million.

Moreover, other Olympians, including boxer Irish Magno, will also be given P200,000.

PRRD also promised an additional P3 million and a house and lot for weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz for winning the country’s first-ever gold in the Summer Games.

“As Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, I assure you of my unrelenting and wholehearted support for our athletes and the entire sports community,” Go said in the same Press Release

“Makakaasa kayo na patuloy kong isusulong ang mga batas at panukala na magpapaunlad sa larangan ng sports nang sa gayon ay makabuo tayo ng mga susunod na henerasyon ng mga atleta na magbibigay ng karangalan sa ating bansa,” he promised.

“Ibigay natin lahat ng suporta na puwede natin maibigay sa ating mga atleta. Hindi lang sa mga atleta nating nanalo ngayon, kundi pati rin sa mga aspiring athletes na nais sumunod sa yapak nila Hidilyn, Nesthy, Carlo, Eumir, at iba pa.”

Aside from the four Olympic medalists, other members of Team Philippine who raised our flag were gymnast Caloy Yulo, weightlifter Elreen Ando, skateboarder Margie Didal, golfers Yuka Saso, Bianca Pagdanganan, and Juvic Pagunsan, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, swimmers Luke Gebbie and Remedy Rule, rower Cris Nievarez, judoka Kiyomi Watanabe, sprinter Kristina Knott, jin Kurt Barbosa, and shooter Jayson Valdez.