The city government threw a heroes’ welcome for 2020 Tokyo Olympic medalists Hidilyn Diaz and Eumir Felix Marcial, who are both residents here.
Diaz, gold medalist in the women’s 55-kg category for weightlifting, and Marcial, bronze medalist in the men’s boxing middleweight division, arrived in the city aboard a Philippine Air Force plane that landed at the Edwin Andrews Air Base.
A motorcade immediately followed to the R.T. Lim Boulevard where the two Olympians unveiled their markers.
They later proceeded to City Hall for a short program where Diaz received PHP2.5 million while Marcial PHP1 million incentive from the local government.
Marcial thanked everyone for the love and support they received while they were competing in the Tokyo Olympics.
“Discipline, determination and prayers helped (me) win in the boxing competition,” Marcial said.
Diaz became emotional as she bared it was curiosity that pushed her to join weightlifting.
“I won this gold medal with the help of God and with your support,” Diaz said.
“I did not give up and I feel God helped me win to inspire you,” she added.
Diaz is a resident of Barangay Mampang and Marcial of Lunzuran. Both are members of the Philippine Air Force. (PNA)
