For bringing pride and honor to the country in winning the silver medal for weightlifting in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Hidilyn Diaz received Php5 million as cash reward among other non-cash rewards, such as a house and lot, retirement fund, Philhealth plan, plus various discounts and privileges.
But when Diaz went to the Presidential Guest House in Panacan, Davao City for a courtesy call with President Rodrigo Duterte, not only did she and her parents personally meet the president and earned a congratulatory salute from the highest ranking official of the land, she also received an additional Php2 million on her cash reward!
“Honor in sports is very hard to get by,” Pres. Duterte said; thus, he gave the extra amount to Diaz so as to encourage other athletes that their sacrifice and hard work during training won’t be in vain because aside from winning medals and trophies, monetary reward is also waiting for them.
