ZAMBOANGA CITY — The city government on Monday honored the three Zamboangueño athletes who participated in the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia, which was held from August 18 to September 2.
Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco Salazar also welcomed the athletes and personally handed them cash rewards at the city hall.
Hidilyn Diaz who won the gold medal for the 53kg women category weightlifting received PHP300,000; while Jefferson Loon who won the bronze medal for pencak silat, and Eumir Felix Marcial who won in boxing, received PHP100,000 each.
The City Council also passed a resolution of commendation for the three athletes, coupled with certificates of recognition from the city mayor’s office.
From the airport, the athletes were welcomed by hundreds of Zamboangueños at the city hall grounds. The athletes thanked their families and the city government for the support.
“I am happy because I am now back in Zamboanga City where I was born. I am proud to be a Zamboangueño and I am so thankful to everyone,” Diaz told the Philippines News Agency.
The 2016 Olympic Summer Games silver medalist urged everyone, especially the youth to get into sports as this would build one’s character and a chance to represent the country in international sporting events. ( R. G. Antonet Go/PNA)
