By Christine Fabro
The first Filipino Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz was promoted to the higher rank of staff sergeant by the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed in a statement on Wednesday (July 28) that PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes approved the promotion of Diaz from her post as sergeant.
“In view of her recent historic win in the Olympics, the Philippine Air Force, through its commanding general, approved the promotion of Sgt. Hidilyn Diaz effective 27 July 2021 to the rank of staff sergeant,” AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said in a statement.
The AFP said: “We laud and support this move at the General Headquarters to mark SSg (staff sergeant) Diaz’ remarkable achievements in the field of sports and for bringing pride and glory to our country.”
The airwoman was recruited into the PAF in 2013 through the military’s Direct Enlistment Program. After delivering the first Asian Games gold to the Philippines in 2018, she was promoted from airwoman first class to sergeant.
Diaz is the first Filipino to clinch an Olympic gold medal on Monday (July 26), after dominating the women’s 55 kg final in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics weightlifting competition. – jlo
