Malacanang Palace was in awe of the feat achieved by weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz Monday evening after the 30-year-old native of Zamboanga ended the almost century-long misery of the country in the Summer Olympics.
Diaz, a sergeant in the Philippine Air Force, won gold in Tokyo after ruling the minus-55 kg category with an Olympic record lift of 217kg in the clean and jerk.
“The Palace congratulates Hidilyn Diaz for bringing pride and glory to the Philippines,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.
“The entire Filipino nation is proud of you. Laban, Pilipinas!”
Diaz is set to receive a cool P10-million by virtue of Republic Act 10699.
The private sector has also pledged an extra P23-million as well.
