First Olympian ever from Eastern Visayas
TACLOBAN CITY – Amid downcast skies, Aira Villegas received a warm and jubilant homecoming in her hometown on Thursday afternoon, August 20, as she paraded through the city in a motorcade.
The southpaw boxer earned a bronze medal in her debut at the Olympics, held this year in Paris, France.
Villegas, who just turned 29 this month, is the first athlete from Eastern Visayas to not only participate in the Olympics but also to win a medal.
She was given a hero’s welcome by her kababayans, who lined the streets, unmindful of the rain, to celebrate her achievement.
Now a multi-millionaire after receiving cash gifts from the country’s leaders, including President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos and House Speaker and Leyte Congressman Martin Romualdez, Villegas arrived in Tacloban on Thursday morning at Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport.
She was greeted by her loved ones, city officials led by Administrator Lila Czarina Aquitania, and barangay officials from 6-A, where she grew up and first learned the basics of boxing alongside her five siblings—a journey that led her to Olympic glory.
At around 3 p.m., despite the bad weather, Villegas participated in a motorcade through the city’s main streets, making a special stop in Brgy. 6-A, Santo Niño Ext., where she lived.
She was met with cheers from her neighbors, who shouted her name in excitement.
Overwhelmed by the warm reception, Villegas kept smiling and waving to the crowd that surrounded her motorcade.
In interviews, Villegas expressed her pride in representing the Philippines at the Paris Olympics, her first experience at the world’s biggest sporting event.
“I did my best, and I was able to bring home a medal. I hope our kababayans are proud of what I have achieved,” she said.
Later, she met with City Mayor Alfred Romualdez, who praised her achievements and presented her with a cash incentive.
JOEY A. GABIETA
