Recognizing greatness
All the sacrifices and hard work are beginning to reap rewards for the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medalist, Hidilyn Diaz. The athlete is being lauded and recognized by the government and various private sector entities for her latest achievement.
Government officials and the country’s top business executives are slated to give nearly P50 million in cash incentives to Diaz in recognition and appreciation for giving the country its first Olympic gold medal since it joined the games in 1924.
There are numerous non-cash incentives as well as like a house and lot, condominium unit, unlimited miles on airlines, and even free meals for life at various restaurants.
The automotive industry is one with the country of honoring Diaz for bringing glory to the nation. Here are just a few of the gifts prepared for the champion.
Phoenix fuels for life
Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc. has offered a P5 million cash reward as well as lifetime free fuel to Diaz.
In an official statement, the oil firm said the reward it will extend to the Olympic gold medalist will be from its Siklab Atleta Pilipinas Sports Foundation Inc., which has been in existence since 2018.
On top of the cash reward, the oil firm also offered Diaz a “lifetime free fuel package” as part of the benefits that she can avail of from Phoenix Petroleum.
Atty Raymond Zorrilla, senior vice president for External Affairs of Phoenix Petroleum Zorilla said that when Diaz was doing her training for the Olympics, Phoenix Petroleum was among the company-supporters who extended financial assistance of P2 million – and that was channeled through a memorandum of agreement that the oil company had signed with the Philippine Sports Commission.
Foton TransVan
Foton Motor Philippines, a commercial vehicle brand that manufacturers in the country, announced that it has gifted a brand new TransVan 13-seater.
“Filipino pride stands high in front of an international audience with the triumph of our Filipino athlete, Hidilyn Diaz. As she drives home glory, we are honored to prize her utmost dedication with the top-rated mobility of our Foton TransVan 13-seater” said Foton Motor Philippines Inc. (FMPI) President, Rommel Sytin.
The TransVan 13-seater is ideal for a variety of uses, from family trips to business related tours. The four-door van will easily accommodate the entire Team HD or Diaz’s entire family to any destination.
Kia Stonic 1.4 EX
As an "Atletang Magiting,” Diaz will receive a top-of-the-line Kia Stonic crossover as a gift of gratitude from AC Motors and Kia Philippines.
The Ayala group’s support for Philippine weightlifters, including Diaz, dates back to 2016, when the Bank of the Philippine Islands turned over training equipment for the Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Gym in Zamboanga City. In 2018, Ayala Land turned over a check donation to the members of the Samahang Weightlifters ng Pilipinas.
Recognizing Diaz under the Maging Magiting program is part of Ayala Foundation’s sustained efforts to promote love of country. Through the Maging Magiting campaign, Ayala Foundation calls on Filipinos to take pride in our heritage and identity, by giving honor to our national emblems such as the flag, while also embodying the call for all of us to be heroes in our own ways.
Maging Magiting is also a recognition program, as can be seen in the Pulis Magiting X Pilipinong Magiting initiative, which was recently relaunched in six regions to recognize men and women in uniform who have shown extraordinary acts of heroism beyond the call of duty.
Free vehicle inspection
After the first three years with her new vehicles, Hidilyn won’t have to worry about the inspections required as part of registration renewal. The Vehicle Inspection Center Operators Association of the Philippines (VICOAP), which operate private motor vehicle inspection centers (PMVIC) have pledged lifetime free vehicle inspection at any member facility.
That saves her a vehicle inspection fee of P600 per car, every time she has to renew her vehicles’ registration.
“Our heartfelt congratulations to you, Ms. Hidilyn Diaz, for bringing home the first Filipino Olympic Gold Medal... Allow us, in turn, to serve you in the best way we know how…” VICOAP said.