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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Romualdez gives heartfelt message to Paris medalist Villegas: 'Pasensya na nahirapan kayo sa umpisa' 

Romualdez gives heartfelt message to Paris medalist Villegas: 'Pasensya na nahirapan kayo sa umpisa' 

Published Aug 14, 2024 05:46 am

At A Glance

  • House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district representative, gave a special message to boxer Aira Villegas--his fellow Tacloban City native--during the Filipino Olympians' visit to the House of Representatives Wednesday morning, Aug. 14.
  • Villegas, 29, won a bronze medal in the inaugural women's light flyweight event at the just-concluded summer games.

IMG-857b35b64cb931db90729732cd2ee80b-V.jpgHouse Speaker Martin Romualdez (left) and Paris Olympics bronze medalist Aira Villegas (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Out of the three Filipino medalists from the 2024 Paris Olympics, boxer Aira Villegas is the one closest to the heart of House Speaker Martin Romualdez. 

It's no wonder then that Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district representative gave a special message to Villegas--his fellow Tacloban City native--during the Filipino Olympians' visit to the House of Representatives Wednesday morning, Aug. 14. 

In his speech to welcome the Olympians headed by double gold medalist, gymnast Carlos Yulo; bronze medalist, boxer Nesthy Petecio; and bronze medalist Villegas, Romualdez vowed to follow President Marcos' lead by improving the State's support to local athletes. 

"We join the President, yun din ang mensahe niya kagabi. Magkukunsulta, mag-uugnayan na lang tayo, mga atleta, sports bodies, on how we can further improve," Romualdez said. 

(That was his message last night. We will consult, coordinate with the athletes and sports bodies, on how we can further improve.) 

Pointing to Villegas' direction, he said, "Mismong ako, alam ko, nalaman ko yung sitwasyon ng aking kababayan, si Aira Villegas, taga-Tacloban. Maski wala talaga siyang mga resources noon eh tignan mo, naging medalist." 

(I, myself, I know, I learned about the situation of my kababayan, Aira Villegas, who is from Tacloban. Even if she didn't have any resources, look at her now, she became a medalist.) 

"Pasensya na lang Aira, talagang nahirapan kayo dun sa pag-umpisa (I'm sorry Aira if you had a difficult start)," Romualdez said in a heartfelt message. 

The House leader hinted that the boxer's homecoming will be something to look forward to. 

"Pero, abangan. Pagbalik natin sa Tacloban, makikita niyo kung paano yung appreciation at support ng mga Taclobanon sayo. So we thank you again for all of these," the Speaker assured Villegas. 

(But, wait for it. Once we get back to Tacloban, you will see the Taclobanons' level of appreciation and support for you.) 

Villegas, 29, won a bronze medal in the inaugural women's light flyweight event at the just-concluded summer games.

 

Related Tags

Aira Villegas Martin Romualdez Tacloban City Paris Olympics
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