1PACMAN Party-list Rep. Mikee Romero has vowed to create more laws that will not only give additional financial incentives for athletes and coaches, but also build state-of-the-art facilities to help spur the growth of sports in the country.
The PBA team owner, in his privilege speech last Wednesday, also called on fellow members of Congress to heed the yearnings and passion of Rio Games silver medal Hidilyn Diaz for a genuine grassroots’ sports programs.
“Let us help this courageous champion and make double time in our own work herein the hallowed halls of Congress,” said Romero as he led the Congress in awarding Diaz the Congressional Medal of Distinction.
Along with the honor, Diaz also received some P1.4 million from congressmen as added cash incentive for ending the country’s 20-year Olympic medal drought.
“Please allow me to take this moment of pride to urge this august chamber to join me in the pursuit of legislation that will cater to the development of sports in our country,” said Romero, who was one of the officials of the PH delegation during the London Games four years ago being the head of the shooting association then.
“I’m doubly lucky as our PH flag bearer then was Diaz and she was the one who ended the country’s 20 years of agonizing wait,” said Romero.
“Hidilyn’s dream now is to use her reward money to buy a lot across from their home and turn it into a gym for children. May I quote from Ms. Hidilyn Diaz’s own words: ‘This is the time to promote sports in the grassroots level,’” said Romero.
“Expect many of our athletes to make serious attempts to bring home international competition honors soon. They will surely draw inspiration from what Diaz has been reaping so far,” said Romero.
The 5-foot Diaz was earlier accompanied by her own congressman Celso Lobregat, who led her to Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and other key leaders of the chamber.
Diaz is the second athlete to receive the gold-plated Medal of Distinction after boxing icon and now Senator Manny Pacquiao.