Worthy for an Olympian bronze medalist
TACLOBAN CITY – As Olympic bronze medalist Aira Villegas returned to Tacloban City on Thursday, August 23, not only she received a warm welcome but incentives poured in totaling to more than P9 million.
Villegas, the first ever Olympian from the region, received P1 million from the city government through a resolution approved by the council and 1 million from Mayor Alfred Romualdez and his son, Councilor Raymund Romualdez. She also received additional rewards from House Speaker and Leyte Congressman Martin Romualdez and Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, including a Mitsubishi Expander worth P1.4 million and a new house and lot valued at P6 million in Camilla Homes, Palo, Leyte.
Villegas, who began her boxing journey at 16, was moved by the warm reception from her fellow Taclobanons and the substantial rewards.
“I am overwhelmed,” Villegas said during a media interview at City Hall after the motorcade sponsored by the Tacloban city government.
“To say thank you is not enough. I dedicate this medal to all Taclobanons.”
Despite the gloomy weather, students and residents lined the streets to cheer her on.
Villegas expressed her deep appreciation for the support and attributed her success to her family.
“I miss them so much, and I am offering this blessing—more than I expected, really—to my family,” she said.
Mayor Romualdez expressed pride in Villegas’s achievement.
“I am truly proud of you. You bring great honor not only to Tacloban and Eastern Visayas but to the entire Philippines,” he said.
“You will serve as an inspiration to young athletes from our city. I am excited to see you pursue the gold medal next.”
Rep. Yedda Romualdez also praised Villegas, noting her contribution to regional and national pride.
“You now serve as an inspiration to our young athletes,” she said, presenting Villegas with the keys to her new car and home during a ceremony at the People’s Center.
The event was attended by young athletes from the region who recently competed in the Palarong Pambansa.
Mayor Romualdez advised Villegas to use her new fortune wisely.
“That is for you and your family. Please do not ask others for money or share your prizes with them,” he said. “The best thing you can offer is your inspiring story. Share your experiences and advice with young athletes.”
Villegas plans to share her cash incentives with her family, who primarily earn from vending peanuts on the streets.
“And of course, I will also save for my future. I cannot box forever,” she added.
For aspiring athletes, Villegas encouraged perseverance and faith.
“They should continue believing in themselves, train hard, and always pray to God. Prayers and hard work should go hand in hand,” she advised.
Villegas will spend the next two weeks in Tacloban with her family, making up for the time spent in intense training leading up to her Olympic success, which came 12 years after she took boxing seriously at 16.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
