Double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo expressed hope that the Philippine government will continue strengthening its support for Filipino athletes after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted sports as one of the administration's priorities during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27.
During his address, President Marcos Jr. discussed several key issues facing the country, including anti-corruption efforts, healthcare, national sovereignty, education, energy costs, and sports, among others. He emphasized that government support for sports has been tripled, not only because of the entertainment it brings but also because of its role in promoting health and inspiring more Filipinos to become active.
The President also cited the achievements of Filipino tennis star Alex Eala, who recently climbed to World No. 28 following Wimbledon 2026.
"Mahalaga rin sa atin ang sports. Itinaas natin nang triple ang suporta natin dito. Hindi lamang dahil sa aliw na hatid nito, kundi para sa kalusugan. Sa nag-uumapaw nating suporta kay Alex Eala, sana ay marami ang ma-engganyo para matuto at maglaro hindi lamang ng tennis kundi ng iba pang sport," President Marcos Jr. said.
"Sa halimbawa ng Filipinas women’s football team, sana rin ay mas sumikat pa ang football sa ating bansa at marami ang maglaro. Balang-araw, baka makasali na ang Pilipinas sa World Cup," he continued.
Following the SONA, Carlos took to Instagram to share his appreciation after hearing the President recognize the importance of sports and the country's athletes. He said he hopes the government's commitment to developing sports will continue so that more young Filipinos can pursue their dreams.
“Isang karangalan po ang makadalo sa State of the Nation Address (SONA) ngayong taon 🇵🇭
"Nakakatuwa pong marinig ang pagbibigay kahalagahan sa sports at sa mga atletang Pilipino. Sana po ay magpatuloy ang suporta sa pagpapaunlad ng sports sa ating bansa, para po mas marami pang kabataan ang mahikayat na mangarap, magsumikap, at ipakita ang ating talento🥇,” he wrote.
Carlos ended his message by reaffirming his commitment to representing the country on the international stage.
“Proud to continue representing the Philippines. Para sa bayan 🙏🏻💙”
The Filipino gymnast personally attended the SONA at the House of Representatives in the Batasang Pambansa Complex. In photos he shared on social media, Carlos was seen meeting several government officials, including House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III and Senator Risa Hontiveros, who was accompanied by her daughter, Sinta.
Meanwhile, Carlos continues to make the Philippines proud in gymnastics. Earlier this year, he and his younger brother Eldrew dominated the floor exercise event at the 2026 Asian Gymnastics Championships in Zunyi, China, claiming two of the three podium spots.
The Yulo brothers are also set to lead the Philippine men's national gymnastics team at the upcoming 20th Asian Games, according to Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion-Norton.
The competition is scheduled to take place from September 21 to 25 at the Rainbow Hall of the Nagoya City General Gymnasium in Japan.