BACOLOD CITY – The provincial government of Negros Occidental has declared first Filipino Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz as an adopted daughter of the province.
This, after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed a resolution during its special session on Sept. 9, citing that the entire Filipino nation is proud of the achievement of Diaz, a weightlifter, for bagging pride and glory to the Philippines.
The resolution also stated that the province acknowledged the hardwork, determination, and focus of Diaz to win the coveted title.

Diaz, accompanied by Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) president Monico Puentevella and coach Julius Naranjo arrived at the Provincial Capitol here on Friday, Sept. 10.
She received a resolution signed by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, from former Governor Rafael Coscolluela and provincial administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II at the Capitol’s Social Hall.
Diaz, in her message, thanked the provincial government for the said recognition.
“Hopefully mainspire ang mga kabataan, dahil walang impossible, kaya nating manalo, kaya ng Pinoy na mag excel (Hopefully the youth will be inspired, because nothing is impossible, we can win, Pinoys can excel),” Diaz said.
Diaz, in a press briefing, said that anyone can excel because sports knows no gender.
Diaz also recalled her past visits here, when she joined the national and Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2004 and 2005 respectively.
“Dito po ako nagsimula (It is here where I started),” she said, as she encouraged young Filipino athletes to never give up.
Meanwhile, Diaz also urged the Filipino youth to register for the upcoming 2022 elections, and to choose for candidates who can uphold their values. “Choose wisely,” she said.