Wealth of opportunities await Olympic medalist Diaz

MANILA, Philippines – After her milestone in Rio, it’s virtually sky’s the limit for the Philippines’ newest sports heroine, Hidilyn Diaz.

A cool P5-million guaranteed reward and possibly more depending on the government’s generosity. A house and lot and other perks from the private sector. Lucrative endorsement deals. A grand heroes’ welcome. The list could go on and on.

“She’s made the country proud,” the Philippine Sports Commission said yesterday.

PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez had reported Diaz’s feat to Malacañang at 4:30 a.m. Monday and is trying to arrange for a grand welcome not only for the Zamboanga lass but also for her fellow Olympians.

“I have informed the President, through Sec. Christopher Go, to welcome her and all the sports heroes,” Ramirez said.

Republic Act 10699, the amended incentives law, guarantees Diaz with P5-million for her breakthrough silver medal in the Olympics.

“By law, she’s going to get P5-million from the government. A private corporation, 8990 Deca Homes will give house and lot to the Rio Olympic medalists, too, as well as token gifts to other Olympians," Ramirez said.

Like boxer Onyok Velasco before in 1996, a wealth of opportunities await the current golden girl of Philippine sports.