LOOK: Carlos Yulo joins PH Navy Reserve Force
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo has joined the reserve force of the Philippine Navy as Petty Officer 1st Class.
On Tuesday, Oct. 1, the naval force welcomed Yulo, who took his oath at its headquarters.
“I am proud to have the privilege of being enlisted in the Philippine Navy Reserve Force, a recognition I never expected in my lifetime. Wearing this Navy uniform fills me with immense pride,” the 24-year-old gymnast said.
“With all my heart, I thank the Philippine Navy for this prestigious recognition. I will uphold its core values and inspire today’s youth, showing them that through sports, they too can serve our country,” he added.
MGen. Joseph Ferrous Cuison PN(M), Commander of the Naval Reserve Command, fellow Navy officers, and Cynthia Carrion, president of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines, were present at the ceremony.
“Your dedication, discipline, and drive made you a champion on the world stage, and now, you bring those same qualities to the Philippine Navy. We know that when you commit to something, you give it your all. I am confident you will do the same as a reservist, standing alongside men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting and uplifting our nation,” said Vice Adm. Adaci Jr., Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command.
Yulo is the latest Pinoy Olympian to join the armed forces, following Tokyo Games gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and bronze medalist Eumir Marcial, who joined the Air Force in 2013 as well as two-time medalist Nesthy Petecio and weightlifter Elreen Ando, who enlisted in the Coast Guard in 2021.
Yulo is the second Filipino athlete to ever win a gold medal for the country at the Olympics.
