Hidilyn Diaz will be promoted from sergeant temporary to staff sergeant by the Philippine Air Force after her commendable performance by winning the country’s first Olympic gold.
“We laud and support this move at the General Headquarters to mark SSgt. Diaz’s remarkable achievements in the field of sports and for bringing pride and glory to the country,” said Capt. Jonathan Zata, public affairs chief of the Armed Force of the Philippines, in a statement.
“Congratulations to SSgt. Diaz. The AFP is proud of your accomplishments and may you continue to serve as an inspiration to your fellow service members.”
Along with this military honor, the 30-year-old Olympic champion will also be awarded the Olympic Gold Medal of Valor from the Philippine Sports Commission.
“We have limited resources but we saw her potential so we took the chance,” said PSC Chairman Butch Ramirez.
According to Republic Act 10699 or the Expanded Incentives Act signed by the late former president Beningo “Nonoy” Aquino III, the winner of the Olympic and Paralympic gold will receive the said medal on top of P10 and P 5 million, respectively.
The PSC has already prepared the said medal accordingly and is looking into awarding it alongside the monetary incentives, usually given out by the President himself, in a courtesy call in Malacanang.
This is a long-time provision of the law which the country never had the chance to follow, but is now set to be implemented for the first time with Diaz’s historic and record-breaking victory. The design is still under wraps but will give honor to both sports and the nation’s symbols.
