Senators file resolutions honoring Hidilyn Diaz for Olympic feat

Senators on Tuesday, July 27 moved to commend Hidilyn Diaz and give her the highest honor for giving the Philippines it's first-ever gold medal in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

At least four resolutions filed by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Senate Minority Franklin Drilon, Senators Risa Hontiveros and Manuel Lapid have been lodged in the Upper Chamber's legislative mill a day after Diaz's successful bid in weightlifting.

Sotto, in filing Senate Resolution No. 763, hailed Diaz's tenacity, taking note of her dedication and sacrifice when she trained in Malaysia starting February 2020.

Diaz's character, he said, stood out when the Malaysian government imposed lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic and she trained using bamboo sticks and large water botttles as alternative to proper weightlifting equipment.

“Her historic victory at the 2020 Olympic Games will greatly inspire and guide Filipinos in general and the youth in particular that no dream is unreachable and no goal is unattainable as long as one devotes himself or herself to the achievement of that dream and goal through hard-work, perseverance, and sacrifice,” Sotto said in the explanatory note of his resolution.

Drilon, in his Senate Resolution 799, lauded Diaz for bringing "joy, honor and pride to the country."

"She has lifted the hopes of an entire nation amid the uncertainties and challenges that we face today," Drilon said.

On Monday, Diaz won the gold medal in the women’s 55-kilogram weightlifting competition at the Tokyo Olympics and ended the country’s quest for a gold medal in the Olympics.

“Hidilyn Diaz made history for the Philippines by 2 winning the gold medal in the women’s 55-kilogram weightlifting competition at the 3 Tokyo Olympics, which finally ended the country’s quest for a gold medal in the 4 quadrennial Olympics after 97 years,” Drilon said.

Senator Risa Hontiveros said the grace and dignity with which Diaz rose above the challenges laid in her path show that girls with dreams become women with vision.

Hontiveros further said that Diaz’s journey "re-energized our Filipino pride amid a painful time in history."

“Hidilyn’s gold medal shines bright in the dark story of the pandemic. Her odyssey starting as a girl lifting plastic pipes and homemade concrete weights cast in old tin cans to her moving victory in Tokyo should serve as a reminder of every Filipina’s resilience in the face of adversity, perseverance despite uncertainty, and strength against all odds. Isang paalala na kailangan natin ngayon,” she said.

“To the many Filipinos representing us at the Olympics, this is the first, and definitely not the last. Whatever the outcome, thank you for your indomitable spirit," she added.

"You are already the greatest of the greats. We are excited to welcome you all home. For now, take your rightful place in history,” Hontiveros stressed.

Lapid, for his part, said it is only fitting for the Senate and the whole government to accord Diaz the highest commendation for achieving such a feat.

“Diaz's victory is a victory of all Filipinos. Thus, it's only right for the Senate to recognize and commend her for this achievement," Lapid said.

"She is an inspiration to all of us and her success is proof that Filipinos do not back down from a fight," Lapid stressed.