Hidilyn Diaz urges youth: Register to vote, choose leaders wisely

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 — Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz has urged the youth to register to vote for the 2022 elections and choose the country’s next leaders wisely.

“Gusto ko sabihin sa lahat ng mga kabataan na magrehistro na. May time pa pong magrehistro,” Diaz, the first Filipino to ever win an Olympic gold medal in 97 years, said in a press conference in Negros Occidental on Friday.

(I want to tell the youth to register. There is still time to register.)

“Kung pipili man tayo ng iboboto natin, siguro pipiliin natin ‘yung values na ina-uphold ng binoboto natin kasi sila ang maggaguide sa atin at maglilead sa taumbayan. Choose wisely,” she added.

(When we choose who to vote, let us look at the values being upheld by the people we will vote because they are the ones who will guide and lead us.)

Voter registration ends on September 30.

On Friday, the provincial government conferred on Diaz the title of “adopted daughter of the province of Negros Occidental,” honoring her feat in the Tokyo Olympics.

The provincial board earlier passed a resolution congratulating Diaz for her victory and conferring on her the said title.

“The Filipino nation is proud of the achievement of Diaz for bringing pride and glory to the Philippines. The province of Negros Occidental acknowledges the hard work, determination and focus of Diaz to win the coveted gold medal,” the resolution read.

CFC