Hero’s welcome for Hidilyn Diaz; online courtesy call on Duterte set

Gold medallist Philippines’ Hidilyn Diaz stands on the podium for the victory ceremony of the women’s 55kg weightlifting competition during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Tokyo International Forum in Tokyo on July 26, 2021. (Photo by Vincenzo PINTO / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — Weightlifting queen and Olympic gold medallist is set to be given a hero’s welcome, and she is set to make a courtesy call on President Rodrigo Duterte, Malacañang said Wednesday.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque that Diaz’s welcome and courtesy call will be held online on Wednesday night.

It will be aired live on state-run television PTV.

“I confirm that Ms. Hidilyn Diaz, the first Filipino Olympic gold medalist, will be given a virtual/online hero’s welcome. She will also have a courtesy call with PRRD, which will be shown/aired live tonight,” Roque said in a statement.

Diaz bagged the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal after conquering the women’s 55 kilograms weightlifting competition at the Tokyo Olympics.