THE Provincial Government of Negros Occidental will give tribute to Hidilyn Diaz, the first Filipino Olympic gold medalist, who is arriving in the province Friday, September 10, 2021.
Governor 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 Thursday afternoon.
The Provincial Board resolution also expressed commendation to Diaz for giving the first Olympic gold medal to the country, Lacson said.
The tribute for Diaz will be held at the Provincial Capitol's Social Hall in Bacolod City at 2 p.m.
Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) president Monico Puentevella said Diaz will be with his coach and boyfriend Julius Naranjo.
Both will stay in the province until Sunday, September 12.
On that day, Diaz and Narajos will be at the Bantug Resort in Barangay Alangilan, Bacolod City where the two will have a gathering with Puentevella and his family.
Third District Representative Jose Francisco "Kiko" Benitez and Silay City Mayor Mark Andrew Golez will also tour Diaz and Naranjo in Silay City before they leave for Manila on Sunday, Puentevella said.
While they are here in the province, Diaz and Naranjo will continue training in preparation for the weightlifting world championship in Uzbekistan, he added.
Diaz brought home the gold after winning the women’s 55-kilogram weightlifting category during the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan on July 26, 2021.
The 30-year-old athlete was a silver medalist in the 2016 Summer Olympics in the women’s 53-kg category.
She produced the medal for the country after 20 years of waiting since Onyok Velasco won silver in boxing at the Atlanta Olympics.