One reaps what one sows.
After years of hard work, Paris Olympics bronze medalist returns home with more than just a motorcade to exult her triumph.
Along side the young athletes in the region who brought prestige to Eastern Visayas during the 2024 Palarong Pambansa, Aira Cordero Villegas of Tacloban City received incentives from the Tingog Partylist and the Office of the House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The light flyweight boxing division champ received an estimated P9.5 million upon arriving home from her victory.
On top of that, the 29-year-old boxer received a house and lot worth P6 million at Camella Homes in Palo, Leyte and a brand new Mitsubishi Expander with an estimated value of P1.6 million.
“I am overwhelmed,” she said in an interview at the City Hall after an almost two-hour motorcade. “To say thank you is not enough. I offer this medal to all the Taclobanons.”
Young Athletes
Other than just giving the spotlight to Villegas, Tingog Partylist shared the stage to recognize the young sports talents in the region.
All athletes, along with their parents and coaches from Eastern Visayas who participated in the 2024 Palarong Pambansa, were awarded a monetary allowance through the DSWD’s AKAP program, amounting to P10,000 each.
A surprise on the spot payout for the youth and their support system who were visibly overwhelmed by the announcement.
Additional incentives from Rep. Yedda Romualdez and Speaker Martin’s personal funds were also given to medalists from the region.
The 26 bronze medalists received P7,000 each, 15 silver medalists received P8,000, and 20 gold medalists received P10,000 on top of the initial incentives.
"Hindi kami nag expect na ganito kadami yung ibibigay na incentive sa amin. Bilang mga athletes, nag gusto lang namin is makapag laro and mag uwi ng karangalan sa pamilya namin," a young track and field athlete from Southern Leyte said.
Starting The Chain
Compared to the previous years, athletes in the region are now gaining more recognition and support from the government and other private groups
With this obvious change, many hopes that this will encourage more aspiring athletes to pursue the sports path which was previously seen as only for the rich who can afford to financially support the journey in the competition.
"Kun mayda la hito han amon han una, nag papadayon gud ako. Mag aano man kay kakurian man gud tas waray hadto sugar nga suporta han am say pa kay an ma sport di man sugad ka sikat, " Jane, a former track and field athlete said.
Villegas and the youth who bagged 7th place in this year's Palarong Pambansa show the world what Waraynons are made of.
Actress from Tacloban Karla Estrada challenged, "Maato kamo ha Waray-Waray?"
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