Tingog lawmaker leads Tacloban welcome for Aira

MANILA, Philippines — A festive and heartwarming celebration welcomed the arrival of Pinay boxer Aira Villegas, the 2024 Olympics bronze medalist in the 57kg women’s boxing category, at the People’s Center in Tacloban City on Friday.

Led by Tingog Partylist Rep. Yedda Romualdez, the city welcomed home the Olympic medalist in an event that was a testament to the pride and admiration felt by the community.

It was also attended by athletes who represented Eastern Visayas in the 2024 Palarong Pambansa, along with their coaches and parents.

Distinguished guests included Tingog director for community engagements Karla Estrada, the Eastern Visayas regional director for the Department of Education (DepEd), the assistant regional director for administration of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Tacloban City sports director and the wife of Councilor Raymund Romualdez.

During the ceremony, Rep. Yedda conveyed heartfelt congratulations from the Tingog Partylist and Leyte First District Representative, Speaker Martin Romualdez. She lauded Villegas for bringing honor to Tacloban City and the Eastern Visayas region, highlighting how her remarkable journey serves as an inspiration for the new generation of athletes in the region.

In recognition of her outstanding achievement, Rep. Yedda presented Villegas with incentives from Tingog and the Office of Speaker Martin, including a house and lot in Camella Homes valued at P6.5 million and a brand-new Mitsubishi Expander.

Furthermore, all athletes, along with their parents and coaches from Eastern Visayas who participated in the 2024 Palarong Pambansa were awarded a monetary allowance through the DSWD’s AKAP program, amounting to P10,000 each.

Additional incentives from Rep. Yedda and Speaker Martin’s personal funds were also given to medalists from the region: 26 bronze medalists received P7,000 each, 15 silver medalists received P8,000 and 20 gold medalists received P10,000.

Following the event at the People’s Center, Rep. Yedda accompanied Villegas and her family to bless their new home, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the celebrated athlete.

In her speech, Rep. Yedda assured the athletes of Eastern Visayas that Tingog and Speaker Martin are committed to supporting their dreams and aspirations.

She emphasized that Congress is actively working on enhancing the country’s sports programs through two key legislations: the Philippine National Games Act, which aims to ensure a comprehensive national sports program, and a bill supporting local sports programs to provide appropriate funding and support for athletes in local communities.

The celebration not only honors Villegas’ remarkable achievements but also underscores the unwavering support and commitment to nurturing future talents in Eastern Visayas.