*Cayetano, BTS sa Kongreso file resolution commending Hidilyn Diaz for winning PH’s first Olympic gold medal*

Former House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and his allies from the Balik sa Tamang Serbisyo (BTS) sa Kongreso on Wednesday, July 28, filed House Resolution No. 2045 commending Filipino weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz for making history by winning the country’s first Olympic gold medal during the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

The proposed resolution aims to recognize Diaz for ending the country’s 97-year Olympic gold medal drought by winning a gold medal in the women’s division of the 55-kilogram weightlifting event of the 2020 Summer Olympic Games.

It recognizes her hard work and perseverance, having to go against all odds and obstacles, endure being away from her family in Zamboanga City, and put her studies and livelihood on hold.

“As a result of strict COVID-19 restrictions, Diaz had to battle gym closures, a lack of access to weightlifting equipment, and the uncertainty of whether the 2020 Olympic Games would be held at all,” the resolution states.

“Diaz’s sterling achievement will serve as a motivation for our countrymen, who have been weary of the hardships brought about by the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic,” it adds.

The proposed resolution also recognizes Diaz as the epitome of the spirit of discipline, heart, and determination – qualities that will inspire and motivate the youth to persevere in becoming their best.

“Her extraordinary feat of representing the country and bringing it honor, even in the face of trials and the pandemic, will propel our athletes to perform to their utmost abilities in sporting events in the future,” it reads.

“Diaz will forever be an inspiration to the youth and an epitome of women empowerment, proving that the Filipino and the Filipina can compete with the best in the world,” the resolution continues.

It has been an established tradition of the House of Representatives to recognize outstanding achievement of Filipino individuals who bring pride and honor to the country by excelling in their respective fields.

“Now, therefore, be it resolved, as it is hereby resolved, by the House of Representatives, to congratulate and commend Hidilyn Diaz for her outstanding drive, discipline and determination, being the first Filipino to win a gold medal in the Olympic Games, bringing honor and international recognition to the Philippines,” the resolution concludes.

H.R. No. 2045 was filed by Cayetano, Taguig 2nd District Rep. Maria Laarni “Lani” Cayetano, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund “Lray” Villafuerte Jr., Batangas Rep. Raneo “Ranie” Abu, Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez, Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Michael Defensor, and Bulacan Rep. Jose Antonio “Kuya” Sy-Alvarado.###