MANILA, Philippines – Olympian Hidilyn Diaz has received an additional P2 million incentive from Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte on top of the P5M she initially earned after winning the silver medal in the 53kg women’s division of the weightlifting event at the Rio Olympics in Brazil.
Diaz, who finished second in the competition this past week after lifting a total of 200kg, arrived in Manila on Thursday afternoon, August 12, and then flew at 7:45 pm to Duterte’s presidential guesthouse in Panacan, Davao.
It was there where Duterte, Diaz, and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chair Butch Ramirez held a press conference in which the president announced that Diaz received an extra bonus.
“She got a 5 million price for winning and I just added another two million,” said the president.
Diaz, 25, received a check worth P5 million from Duterte in Davao thanks to the government’s Republic Act 10699, also known as the National Athletes and Coaches and Trainers Benefits and Incentives Act. Additionally, Diaz will also be awarded with a housing unit from8990 Holdings Inc - Deca Homes.
The Zamboanga native gave thanks during the press conference and stressed that, with what she was able to do, it’s possible for someone from the Philippines to win a medal at the Olympics.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako sainyo, sa nag dasal, sumoporta at naniwala saakin. Nung last August 7, naiwagayway ko ang bandila nang Pilipinas sa Olympics,” said Diaz, who was the first Philippine athlete to win a medal at the Olympics since 1996.
(I want to give thanks to you all, to those who prayed, supported, and believed in me. Last August 7, I was able to wave the flag of the Philippines at the Olympics.)
“Naipkakita ko na kaya natin mga Pilipino manalo sa Olympics.”
(I was able to show that us Filipinos have the ability to win at the Olympics.)
Duterte, who won the presidency during the elections last May, also said that discipline mixed with support from the government can go a long way in international sports success.
“If we just put in the discipline in any field with… a little help from the national government and the budget, we’d be able to get some miracles and surprises along the way,” he said.
GREAT TIMES. Hidilyn Diaz (in red), seen here with her mom, has returned to the Philippines. Photo by Jedwin M Llobrera/Rappler
The president also shared that he was watching Diaz in action and was nervous when she had troubles before eventually gaining the country's first silver medal since Onyok Velasco in Atlanta.
“I was also watching her. I was really scared when she was struggling to pull the weights. When she was able to do it, I almost shouted.”
During her press conference at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 earlier on Thursday, Diaz revealed that part of what she hopes to do with the incentives she’s received is buy land and put up a gym in her hometown where others can also get into weightlifting.
“Bibilhin ko muna yung lupa, tapos mag papatayo ako nang gym duon para sa weightlifting club,” she said.
(I’ll first buy the land, then I’ll put up a gym for the weightlifting club.)
The decision is something Duterte applauds, as he emphasized the importance to give focus on sports training away from Manila.
“Yes, I would agree with her plans, para yung iba naman na probinsya [may] attention (so that the other provinces get attention). And also to give focus to the sports. Maybe you’ll be able to harness good athletes.”
Duterte also took time out to crack jokes, saying that his message to the Philippine delegates before departing was “Wag kayo umuwi pag hindi kayo manalo.
(Don’t come home if you don’t win.)
“Joking,” the president then said. “Sabi ko (I said), ‘Do your best for the country. The honor is there, go for it. It would be a long quest, it would be a tedious one, but I said if you can bring some honor to your country, I’ll be happy.’” – Rappler.com
Author: Naveen Ganglani of Rappler
