Lydia “Lydia de Vega’s death highlights the need for our government and the private sector to support Filipino athletes not only while they are healthy and physically able to compete but in retirement as well. Our prayers and thoughts are with Lydia de Vega’s family at this most difficult time,” said Speaker Martin G. Romualdez. Photo source: Twitter

Romualdez seeks support for PH athletes

August 11, 2022 Ryan Ponce Pacpaco 354 views

Speaker leads House leaders in mourning passing of Lydia de Vega

HOUSE leaders led by Speaker Martin G. Romualdez on Thursday underscored the need for the government in partnership with the private sector to help provide better retirement for athletes as they condoled with the family of retired Filipino sprinter Lydia de Vega-Mercado, who died on Wednesday at the young age of 57.

Romualdez, senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Cavite Rep. Elpidio “Pidi” Barzaga, Jr., Bulacan Rep. Salvador Pleyto Sr., PBA party-list Rep. Margarita “Migs” Nograles, Valenzuela City Rep. Eric Martinez, and ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Jocelyn Tulfo mourned the passing of de Vega-Mercado.

“Lydia de Vega was one of the greatest and the most decorated Filipino athletes. She brought honor and pride to our country by winning numerous medals in the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games and Asian Athletics Championships. She was called Asia’s fastest woman after ruling the 100-meter dash in the 1982 and 1986 Asian Games,” Romualdez said.

“Her death highlights the need for our government and the private sector to support Filipino athletes not only while they are healthy and physically able to compete but in retirement as well,” the House leader said.

“Our prayers and thoughts are with Lydia de Vega’s family at this most difficult time,” he added.

Arroyo, a former President, said de Vega’s “demise is a big loss to us.”

“Dubbed the fastest woman in Asia, she put Philippine sports on the world map and brought much honor to our country. She will long be remembered by the nation.

May her achievements motivate other Filipino athletes to aspire for excellence in their chosen sport. My sincere condolences to her husband, Paul, and their children,” Arroyo said.

Barzaga said “I condole with the family and loved ones of Lydia de Vega, a true Philippine sports heroine and icon.”

Barzaga said “Lydia de Vega was among the first modern sports heroes that Filipinos looked up to.”

“We basked in the pride that she gave us with her achievements as the sprint queen of Asia,” Barzaga said.

“Her legacy of greatness will live on. This is evident in how she paved the way for the likes of Hidilyn Diaz in capturing the imagination of the young girls in every corner of the country though the glory achieved in sports,” Barzaga said.

Pleyto said “the nation lost a great athlete whose excellence inspired many to victory.”

“Nakakalungkot na mawala isa sa ating mga unang babaeng bayani. Bilang isang woman athlete (noon) at trackster, isa sa mga inspirasyon po talaga si Ms. Lydia. Ang nakakalungkot po talaga ay sa mga huling araw niya ay humingi siya ng financial help sa public dahil kulang po ng mga programs to support and give retirement bebefits sa ating past olympians. Kaya po, iyan ang isa sa mga pinag-aaralan natin ngayon para po matulungan ang ating olympians (both current and retired),” Nograles said.

“We lost an all time great… a national treasure, the Queen of Track Lydia de Vega.

She brought honor and glory to our country during the 80’s, as Asia’s Fastest Woman.

Long live the Queen!!!! Diay you will forever be remembered. Our prayers to you and deepest sympathy to the bereaved family,” Martinez, a former Deputy Speaker and ex-chairman of the House committee on youth and sports.

“Our country mourns the loss of one of our treasured and most decorated Philippine athletes, Ms. Lydia De Vega-Mercado. My family and I are very saddened by this news and offer our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Ms. De Vega. Her achievements as an athlete, brought honor and pride to our country, with her dedication and commitment touching the hearts of every Filipino. Her invaluable contributions to Philippine sports will undoubtedly live on in memory for future generations and will inspire other Filipino athletes, to strive for excellence. Muli, ako at ang aking pamilya ay buong pusong nakikiramay sa pamilya at mga kaanak ng ating pinakamamahal na atleta, Ms. Lydia De Vega-Mercado,” Tulfo said.

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