Congressional Medal of Excellence for Pinoy Olympic gold winners urged 

THE House leadership has sought to institutionalize the Congressional Medal of Excellence for national athletes who will win gold medals in the Olympic Games.

“These sports heroes deserve to be recognized and commended for bringing pride, honor and inspiration especially to young Filipinos who want to excel in their fields,” House Majority Leader and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin G. Romualdez said in joining Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and House Minority Leader and Abang Lingkod party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen “Caraps” S. Paduano in filing House Resolution (HR) No. 1981 to give due recognition to Filipinos who will win gold medals in the Olympic Games.

They congratulated weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz for her historic gold medal win at the 2021 Tokyo Summer Olympics.

A second Olympic gold medal for the Philippines is within reach after Filipina boxer Nesthy Petecio bested Irma Testa in the semifinals of the women’s featherweight division of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics’ boxing tournament Saturday at the Kokugikan Arena.

Romualdez said their achievements serve as a testament that perseverance and dedication can be used as springboard, which inspires Filipinos to soar to greater heights and achieve great success in life.

“These Filipino international achievers have overcome many trials and challenges thru hard work and determination, thereby contributing to, if not restoring, national pride, dignity and self-respect. These individuals have gained personal accolades as well as international recognition both for themselves and for the country,” Romualdez said in the resolution.

“There is a need for the House of Representatives to institutionalize the Congressional Medal of Excellence to particularly give honor and commendation to these exceptional modern-day national heroes in sports who win the gold medal in the Olympic Games,” the House leaders said in the resolution.

“This award will immortalize their achievements and give them a legacy to leave behind by providing future generations with inspirational lessons that they can take to heart,” they added.

There are currently two congressional medals being handed out by the House: Congressional Medal of Distinction and Congressional Medal of Achievement.

The Congressional Medal of Distinction is given to Filipino achievers in sports, business, medicine, science, and arts and culture; while the Congressional Medal of Achievement is awarded to political, economic, and cultural leaders, who have distinguished themselves through their life-work and their vision.

Velasco, Romualdez, Paduano, Isabela 5th District Rep. Faustino Michael Carlos Dy III and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe also filed HR No. 2041 to commend and award the Congressional Medal of Excellence to Diaz.

Velasco cited Diaz for serving as an inspiration to Filipinos, especially young women and athletes.

“Hidilyn Diaz has now inspired countless young Filipino women and girls, athletes, and young Filipino dreamers to reach for their goals and achieve their dreams,” the resolution stated.

“Hidilyn Diaz’s fighting heart and indomitable spirit has ignited hope and dreams in our country reeling from the current pandemic and economic downturn by bringing honor and pride to all Filipinos, whether in the country or abroad,” it added.