COTABATO CITY – Recognizing the pride Hidilyn Diaz brought to the country, the Bangsamoro Parliament has adopted consolidated resolutions commending her historic victory for winning the first gold medal for the 32nd World Olympics.
Diaz, a 30-year-old Mindanaon, competed and won in the women’s 55-kg weightlifting event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on July 26, ending the Philippines’ 97-year gold medal drought.
Susana Anayatin, one of the authors of the approved Resolution No. 476, said in a statement on Tuesday that her achievement serves as an inspiration to the region’s young generation, particularly notably in honing their skills in sports and other areas where their roles are vital.
“The success of Hidilyn Diaz will encourage our youth in the Bangsamoro to engage in sports, inculcating the values of discipline, sportsmanship, cooperation, and teamwork as a way to develop their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being,” Romeo Saliga added.
The passage of the resolutions, authors said, reflected the regional government’s commitment to implementing the Bangsamoro Organic Law’s (BOL) edict in instilling ‘patriotism and nationalism’ to the youth, either through the development of comprehensive physical education programs and/or the promotion of public and civic affairs involvement via sports.
Members of the Parliament (MPs) Susana Anayatin and Romeo Saliga introduced the mentioned resolutions in the plenary.
Said legislation was co-authored by Bai Maleiha Candao, Basit Abas, Don Mustapha Loong, Paisalin Tago, Melanio Ulama, Jose Lorena, Ziaur-Rahman Adiong, Aida Silongan, Baintan Ampatuan, Nabila Margarita Pangandaman, Diamila Ramos, Ubaida Pacasem, Suharto Ambolodto, Narciso Yu Ekey, Ibrahim Ali, Omar Yasser Sema, Nabil Tan, Ali Salik, Mudjub Abu, Khadafeh Mangudadatu and Faiz Alauddin.
Meanwhile, according to the MPs, other athletes who earned silver and bronze medals, such as Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, and Eumir Marcial will be recognized on a separate resolution. (Publication and Media Relations Division)