Joy Adalia
For bringing pride and honor to the Philippines, Olympic medalist Hidilyn Diaz stands to receive not just PhP5 million, but also a house. According to Philippine Sports Commission chair Butch Ramirez, realtor and developer Deca Homes pledged to give Diaz a house and lot aside from the monetary reward she will receive for winning the silver medal in weightlifting in the women’s category.
Diaz’s win was described as historical not just because she broke the country’s 20-year Olympic medal drought, but she was also the first woman from the Philippines to win an Olympic medal in a non-demonstration sport. This would also be the first Olympic win for the Philippines that is not related to boxing since 1936.
Moreover, Diaz is also the first athlete from Mindanao to win an Olympic medal.
After winning the competition (and leaving China in third place), Diaz celebrated with adobo and pizza at the Dining Hall of the Olympic Village.
Filipinos are hopeful that Diaz’s win and the prizes she will get will inspire other Filipino athletes who will be competing in their respective events in the days to come. Could there be another Olympic medal for the country? All we can do is wait and see…
Go, Team Pilipinas! And congratulations, Hidilyn Diaz!
