Major players in the country’s energy sector are giving Hidilyn Diaz a total of Php25 million for bagging the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic gold medal in Tokyo on Monday night.
Manny V. Pangilinan, who runs the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) and PXP Energy, and Ramon Ang of SMC Global Power Holdings have earlier pledged to give Php10 million each to any Filipino athlete who bags the gold in the Olympics.
Meanwhile, Dennis Uy’s Phoenix Petroleum — the country’s third largest oil firm — said that it is adding Php5 million in Diaz’s pot. However, it’s not only cash that the Zamboanga native is getting from Phoenix, but also fuel for life.
Phoenix, through its Siklab Atleta Pilipinas Sports Foundation, Inc., is a longtime supporter of Diaz, who won in the quadrennial meet’s 55-kilogram women’s weightlifting competition.
“I think many of us felt so much pride and joy seeing our flag being raised, and our National Anthem being played, while honoring the historic win of Hidilyn Diaz,” Phoenix SVP Atty. Raymond Zorrilla said in a statement.
Other than the Php25 million from energy players, Diaz will be receiving another Php10 million from the government under Republic Act 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, Php3 million from 1-PACMAN Rep. Mikee Romero, and Php2.5 million from the Zamboanga City government.
She will be also gifted with free flights and at least three homes, including a house and lot in Tagaytay City and a condominium unit in Quezon City.