BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The provincial government of Negros Occidental will fete Hidilyn Francisco Diaz, the first Filipino to win an Olympic gold medal after almost a century. She is expected to arrive here today.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said Diaz is now an “adopted daughter” of the province by virtue of the resolution passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in a special session yesterday afternoon.
“The Filipino nation is proud of the achievement of Diaz for bringing pride and glory to the Philippines. The province of Negros Occidental acknowledges the hard work, determination and focus of Diaz to win the coveted gold medal,” part of the resolution read.
The tribute for Diaz will be held at 2 p.m. today at the Capitol’s Social Hall.
Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) president, Monico Puentevella said accompanying Diaz today is his coach and boyfriend Julius Naranjo.
While here in the province, Diaz and Naranjo will continue training in preparation for the wold weightlifting championship in Uzbekistan, Puentevella said./PN
