Expect Hidilyn Diaz to use her winnings to benefit many athletes and help them shine as well.
Senator Sonny Angara said this as he lauded weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz for winning the Philippines’ first gold medal in the Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia on Tuesday.
“Ginugol niya sa pagpapatayo ng isang weightlifting training facility sa kanyang bayan sa Zamboanga ang napanalunan niya noon. Ito ay para matulungan ang mga kababayan niya na nangangarap din maging world-class na atleta tulad niya. Tayo po’y nakatitiyak na muling gagamitin ni Hidilyn ang kanyang napanalunan sa isang napaka-makabuluhang paraan,” said Angara in a statement.
Under Republic Act 10699, which Angara sponsored, the 27-year-old Diaz is entitled to a P2-million cash incentive from the government.
RA 10699 increased the amount of cash incentives and expanded the benefits given to winning athletes, coaches and trainers.
Before the new law was implemented, Asian Games gold medalists only received P1 million.
“Tayo po ay nakikiisa sa milyon-milyong Pilipinong nagbubunyi sa pagkapanalo ni Hidilyn. She once again showcased the Filipino fighting spirit. She deserves all the support in recognition of the honor she continues to bring to our country,” said Angara.
Senator Angara is set to file a resolution commending Diaz and the rest of the Filipino medalists in the Asian Games.
So far, the Philippines has also won four bronze medals in the Jakarta Games.
The law likewise raised the cash incentives of bronze medalists to P400,000 from P100,000.
Aside from the P2-million incentive under RA 10699, Diaz stands to receive P2 million from the Philippine Olympic Committee, and P1 million each from the Siklab Foundation and the Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Lee Hoong.