House OKs Congressional Medal of Excellence for Hidilyn Diaz

Philippines’ Hidilyn Diaz reacts while competing in 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 — The House of Representatives has adopted the resolution conferring the Congressional Medal of Excellence upon weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz following her historic win in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

During Monday’s session, the lower chamber approved House Resolution No. 2041 honoring Diaz for clinching the country’s first-ever gold medal in the Olympics.

“She represents not just the best of Zamboanga, Mindanao, and the Philippine Air Force, but the best of all Filipinos who have studied, trained, and persevered in their lives and careers despite the myriad of challenges in order to achieve the pinnacle of success,” the resolution states.

“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, and [her] 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 adds.

During the session, the lower chamber also adopted House Resolution No. 1981 which proposes the institutionalization of the Congressional Medal of Excellence for national athletes who will win gold medals at the Olympic games.

This means that Diaz will be the first-ever recipient of the Congressional Medal of Excellence.

Currently, the House only has the Congressional Medal of Distinction for Filipino achievers in sports, business, medicine, science, and arts and culture; and the Congressional Medal of Achievement to honor political, economic, and cultural leaders.

Diaz, in her fourth straight Olympics, delivered the Philippines’ breakthrough gold medal after conquering the women’s 55 kilograms weightlifting competition at the Tokyo Olympics.

The 30-year-old athlete from Zamboanga City tallied 97 kilograms in snatch but it was her Olympic record lift of 127 kilograms in the clean & jerk that propelled her to the top.