By Allen Estabillo/Philippine News Agency
GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Another grand hero’s welcome awaits “fighting senator” Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao when he returns home to this city and nearby Sarangani province in the coming days after an impressive win on Sunday against American Keith Thurman in Las Vegas.
City Mayor Ronnel Rivera said Monday the local government will prepare a festive homecoming for Pacquiao, who won the World Boxing Association welterweight title via split decision.
The mayor has tasked the City Sports and Development Office to lead the preparations and coordinate the schedule of the senator’s arrival.
Rivera, who led the free viewing of the fight at the city gymnasium in Barangay Lagao on Sunday, said Pacquiao’s dominant win against a younger and undefeated fighter was unprecedented.
Pacquiao, who grew up in Barangay Labangal here, turned 40 last December.
“I’m very happy because he gave another honor to the country and our city, even winning over an opponent 10 years younger than him,” Rivera told reporters.
More than 4,000 residents witnessed the free live telecast of the Pacquiao-Thurman fight at the city gymnasium through pay-per-view subscription sponsored by the local government.
They were joined by Vice Mayor Loreto Acharon, Councilor Jose Edmar Yumang, Liga ng mga Barangay president Lorelie Pacquiao and husband, OFW partylist Rep. Roberto “Bobby” Pacquiao, the senator’s younger brother.
In Sarangani, Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon said they have ongoing communication with the Pacquiao camp for his homecoming and grand hero’s welcome in the province.
Before winning a Senate seat in the 2016 elections, Pacquiao represented the lone district of Sarangani in the House of Representatives.
The governor said Pacquiao’s age clearly did not matter in his latest win.
“Senator, congratulations. We really prayed for you. You broke the mold. There’s no one else like you. And you give inspiration to a lot, not only to boxers but athletes all over the world,” he said in a report released by the governor’s office.
He said they will support the senator if he decides to continue with his “Hall of Fame” boxing career.
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