A lawmaker from Mindanao on Thursday filed a bill that mandates the burial of sports heroes at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
Qualified to be buried in the heroes’ cemeteries are at least a gold medal in any Southeast Asian Games, at least a silver medal in any Asian Games or Asian Cup, at least a bronze medal in any Olympic or World Games, or a world champion in any professional sports competition, according to Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers who filed House Bill 3716.
Barbers filed the measure in honor of the country’s sports heroes and giving them the chance to be buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
“Sports stars become heroes when they are admired for their athletic accomplishments. As a society, we yearn to feel a connection to them, bask in their success, and pattern our lives after them”, Barbers said quoting Joseph Hastings in an article written recently.
“Filipino sports icons have this amazing, unique way of making a positive impact in our society. They are our source of inspiration and strength in direst situations and serve as good role models, especially to the youth. With their incredible achievements that brought honor to our country, they deserve a spot at the Libingan ng mga Bayani,” Barbers added.
The bill allows the interment of our sport heroes at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in recognition of their enormous work, dedication and sacrifices they have endured to bring pride and honor to our country.
The bill defines “Sports Heroes” as those distinguished Filipino athletes who possess character and integrity and who have represented and brought honor and glory to the country by winning at least a gold medal in any Southeast Asian Games, at least a silver medal in any Asian Games or Asian Cup, at least a bronze medal in any Olympic or World Games, or a world champion in any professional sports competition.
“I hope that it is not too late to honor our sports heroes like Lydia de Vega. This measure is but a token of gratitude that we all enormously owe her and our other unsung sports heroes,” Barbers said.
