The Alsons Power Group, Mindanao’s first and most experienced independent power producer, together with 2016 Olympic silver medalist and 2018 Asian Games gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, officially presented 10 young weightlifters to form the second batch of “Power Scholars” under the Alsons Power Hidilyn Diaz Scholarship Program for Aspiring Weightlifters.
The presentation ceremony of the new batch of Power Scholars was held at the Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Gym in Mampang, Zamboanga City.
The scholarship program is part of the power company’s commitment to help provide more educational opportunities for young people in Zamboanga City, where Alsons Power is the primary supplier of electricity thru its 100-megawatt (MW) Western Mindanao Power Corporation power plant in the eastern portion of the city.
The partnership between Alsons and Diaz aims to produce world-class Filipino weightlifters and support the country’s efforts in eventually winning gold in the Olympics and excelling in other international sports competitions.
Scholars are nominated by a three-person panel composed of Diaz, former national coach and Philippine Weightlifting Association vice president Councilor Elbert Atilano Sr., and national coach Allen Jayfrus Diaz.
Each Power Scholar receives a subsidy that will cover the provisions for school uniforms, shoes, a bag and school supplies, as well as a monthly stipend for transportation and food allowances covering the school year.
The second batch of scholars are : Angelica Garcia 16, an 8th grader at Talon-Talon National High School; Ellamae Lozazda 13, a 7th grader from Mampang National High School; Angel Locson 12 , grade 7 from Mampang National Highs School; Prince Mango Tarro 12, grade 7 from the Zamboanga City National High School Main Campus; Jeaneth Hipolito 12 ,grade 6 from Mampang Elementary School; Hillary Diaz 11, grade 6 from Mampang Elementary School; Princess Jay Ann Diaz 11, grade 6 from Mampang Elementary School; Kirby Kent Alas-as 10, grade 5 from Tetuan Central Sped Center Main; Jodie Peralta 9; grade 4 from Mampang Elementary School; and Alexandra Ann Diaz 8; grade 3 from Mampang Elementary School.
The initial batch of five power scholars were named in 2017 and have gone on to compete in international competitions including last year’s Youth Olympics qualifiers in Uzbekistan.
At the presentation ceremony, Diaz urged the scholars to do excel both academically and in competition. “Dream high, study, and train well if you want to Olympians,” she told the scholars.
Oscar Benedict E. Contreras III, Alsons Power Corporate Communications head stated, “These are our country’s future Olympians. We remain steadfast at the Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Gym in Mampang, Zamboanga City for the people of Zamboanga not only by providing power but also by helping provide an education to the City’s youth. This is a testament to our support for Zamboanga and our country.”