Hidilyn Diaz binigyang importansiya ni Romero

MANILA, Philippines - Nangako si 1Pacman Party-list Rep. Mikee Romero na gagawa ng mga batas na hindi lamang magbibigay ng karagdagang cash incentives para sa athletes at coaches kundi makapagpapatayo din ng state-of-the-art facilities sa bansa.

Sa privilege speech noong Miyerkules ay nanawagan rin ang PBA owner sa kanyang mga kasama sa Congress na tugunan ang kahilingan ni Rio Games silver medal Hidilyn Diaz para sa pagkakaroon ng tunay na grassroots sports programs.

“Let us help this courageous champion and make double time in our own work herein the hallowed halls of Congress,” wika ni Romero sa kanyang pamumuno sa Congress sa pagbibigay kay Diaz ng Congressional Medal of Distinction.

Maliban sa karangalan ay tinanggap din ni Diaz ang P1.4 milyon mula sa mga congressmen bilang dagdag na cash incentive kaugnay sa pagwawakas niya sa 20-year Olympic medal drought ng bansa.

“Please allow me to take this moment of pride to urge this August chamber to join me in the pursuit of legislation that will cater to the development of sports in our country,” sabi ni Romero, isa sa mga opisyales ng Philippine delegation noong 2012 London Games bilang pangulo ng shooting association.

 “Actually, I’m doubly lucky as our PH flag bearer then was Diaz and she was the one who ended the country’s 20 years of agonizing wait,” dagdag pa nito.

Pangarap ni Diaz na makabili ng lote sa kanyang lugar sa Zamboanga na gagawing gym para makatulong sa mga batang gustong maging national athlete.

“Hidilyn’s dream now is to use her reward money to buy a lot across from their home and turn it into a gym for children. May I quote from Ms. Hidilyn Diaz’s own words: ‘This is the time to promote sports in the grassroots level,’” wika ni Romero.

“Expect many of our athletes to make serious attempts to bring home international competition honors soon. They will surely draw inspiration from what Diaz has been reaping so far,” dagdag pa nito.