Boxing Olympian Hergie Bacyadan has been honoured by her tribe for bringing pride not only to the Philippines but also to her family and the people of Kalinga Apayao.
“Salamat sa napakainit na pag-salubong mga katribo Taloctoc Tanudan Kalinga,” Bacyadan expressed gratefully.
Accompanied by her wife, Lady Dito, Bacyadan also stands as a proud representative of the LGBTQ community. Despite not succeeding in her initial Olympic attempt, she is set to leave a lasting legacy at the Paris 2024 Olympics, inspiring her community and beyond.
In recognition of her achievements, Bacyadan was awarded PHP 1 million by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. She also received additional gifts from various corporate donors, including PHP 150,000 worth of items from a sports apparel company.
Bacyadan shared, “Naalala ko dati, nagtiyaga lang ako sa sirang sapatos pang training ko, tinatahi ko pa mga butas butas ng mga pang training ko. Iba talaga kapag si Lord nag-ikot ng mundo mo.”
On Sunday, the provincial government of Kalinga will honor Bacyadan with a hero’s parade as the first Kalinga native to join the Philippine Olympic team.
Grace K. Flores of the provincial office has organized a meeting to finalize the details for the motorcade, hero’s welcome, and award ceremony at the Kalinga Sports Center. The motorcade will start at 8 a.m. from McDonald’s Tabuk City, featuring a route through several landmarks in Tabuk City, including the Rotunda, St. William’s Academy, White Carabao Marker, St. Tonis College Inc., Annex-Bulanao Central School, Rotary Marker, Block 3 Police Station, and Southern Tabuk Integrated School, concluding at the Kalinga Sports Center.
The celebration will include a short program and an awarding ceremony where Bacyadan will be presented with a Special Recognition and a P500,000 cash incentive from the Office of the Provincial Governor, as approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Ordinance, in appreciation of her dedication, hard work, and the honor she has brought to Kalinga.
