President Duterte congratulated Hidilyn Diaz in a virtual courtesy call.
On Wednesday, President Rodrigo Duterte congratulated Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz in a virtual courtesy call.
Philippine Air Force Staff Sergeant Diaz wore her military uniform during the virtual courtesy call, which started with her saluting her Commander-in-Chief.
President Duterte told Diaz that the nation was ecstatic about her achievement as her achievement was the achievement of the Philippine nation. The President acknowledged the sacrifices Diaz had made and spoke of unpleasant events in the past, without being specific.
“Salamat naman sa pagtiis mo. I hope that the years of toil, the years of disappointments, and the years na hindi maganda ang nangyari in the past, just forget them. You already have the gold. Gold is gold. It can be good for you to just let bygones be bygones and dwell solely on your victory together with your family and, of course, with the nation,” added Duterte.
READ ALSO: PH Air Force Promotes Olympic Gold Medalist Hidilyn Diaz To Staff Sergeant
President Duterte also hinted that Diaz could use her fame for political ends.
“You are already a celebrity. It’s a political stock. Take note of that. One day you’ll want also to – baka makatulong ka sa country in some other way, other than being a soldier,” President Duterte said.
Diaz was set to receive the Presidential Medal of Merit — a recognition given by the Philippine government to individuals for “gaining prestige for the country in an international event, in the fields of literature, the sciences, the arts, entertainment, and other civilian fields of endeavor that foster national pride and artistic excellence,” according to Executive Order No. 236, series of 2003.
Champion boxers Gabriel Elorde and Senator Manny Pacquiao, as well as champion bowler Paeng Nepomuceno, also received the Presidential Medal of Merit as well.
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