Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday, August 3, congratulated and thanked Filipino Olympians for bringing hope and inspiration to a nation in crisis.
In a video message posted on Facebook, the vice president took pride in the accomplishments of Filipino athletes during the ongoing 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“Sa gitna ng matinding pagsubok na dala ng pandemya, salamat sa pag-asa at inspirasyon (Amid a great challenge brought by the pandemic, thank you for the hope and inspiration). Thank you for bringing us together, lalo na sa panahong ito. Buong bansa, isang pamilyang nae-excite, nagchi-cheer, at nagse-celebrate sa bawat laban ninyo (especially during these times. The whole country, one family, is excited, cheering, and celebrating in your every fight),” she said.
“Sa bawat laban ng Pilipino sa Olympics nitong mga nakaraang araw, naghahalo ang saya, kaba, pati ang gigil. Pero higit dito, araw-araw nangingibabaw sa atin ang pagiging proud (In every fight of a Filipino in the Olympics these past days, there’s a mixed feeling of joy, nervousness, and grit. But more than this, every day we are proud). Today is no exception,” Robredo added.
Addressing each of the Olympic medalists, she told Nesthy Petecio, who won silver in boxing and became the first Filipino to win a medal in Women’s boxing, that Filipinos are proud of her “for making history.”
Japan’s Sena Irie denied Petecio of gold as she beat the Filipina boxer by unanimous decision.
READ: Nesthy Petecio yields to Japanese foe, settles for boxing silver
Robredo thanked Carlo Paalam, who secured another sure bronze for the Philippines, for “showing heart” while she told Eumir Marcial that he shocked the country with another “knockout victory” and “another sure podium finish.”
She also mentioned EJ Obiena who will be at the pole vault final in Tokyo on Wednesday, August 4, as well as Yuka and Bianca who will be competing in the gold tournament.
The vice president also celebrated other athletes who make up the 2020 Tokyo Olympics line-up for the Filipinos.
Robredo recognized Hidilyn Diaz, who made history for bringing the country’s first Olympic gold, as well as “world-class gymnast” Carlos Yulo and skateboarder Margielyn Didal, who Robredo said brings “good vibes.”
READ: ‘Istorya ng Pag-asa’ champ: Hidilyn Diaz overcomes struggles for PH’s first gold
Robredo also gave an equivalent of a video shoutout to Juvic Pagunsan, Kristina Knott, Elreen Ando, Remedy Rule, Kiyomi Watanabe, Cris Nievarez, Kurt Walker, Jayson Valdez, Luke Gebbie, and Irish Magno.