At homecoming, Hidilyn to return to roots, kin and dream–college degree

A CORNER at the Diaz family home in Zamboanga City is filled with mementos of Hidilyn Diaz, including medals she had won in sports competitions since she was 12 years old. JULIE ALIPALA-INOT/INQUIRER MINDANAO

ZAMBOANGA CITY—With at least P5 million in cash incentives awaiting her when she returns home from the Rio Olympics, Hidilyn Diaz had made up her mind about going back to school.

The Olympic silver medal winner had to quit college when she was in her third year in computer science because her family was so poor even the cost of the daily commute between home and school is beyond reach.

Hidilyn’s mom, Emelita, said Hidilyn decided to just quit school. “We knew how hard it was for her,” Emelita said.

Hidilyn’s father, Eduardo Sr., is a tricycle driver but is often ill.

“We are not rich and my family depended on me,” Hidilyn, who later entered the Philippine Air Force (PAF), told the Inquirer via online chat.

She hasn’t given up her dream of finishing college despite the newfound popularity given by her Olympic win.

“Whatever earnings I got from winning this silver medal, part will be used for my college education,” Hidilyn said.

Although uncertain if she would pursue computer science or shift to another course, Hidilyn said one thing is for sure. “I have funds now and I can plan for my future,” she said.

Col. Araus Robert Musico, commanding officer of the PAF Development Center, said Hidilyn need not quit the Air Force to pursue her studies.

“We have many courses available for her and there are many ways to perform her duty and have time for study to improve her scholastic side,” he said.

Musico also said it would be unfortunate if Hidilyn left the service because she had all the qualities “we need in the military.”

Emelita said Hidilyn’s stint at the Air Force had brought good things to the family, too, like the two bedroom house they are now staying in Barangay Mampang.

“This is one of the products of Hidilyn’s efforts,” said Emelita. “You are now standing on tiled floors. A few years ago, it was bare ground. We did it one at a time,” she said.

Emelita also showed Inquirer three huts that Hidilyn helped build for her siblings.

At the back of the family’s home is a grassy lot which, Emelita said, Hidilyn plans to buy.

Hidilyn confirmed the plan to buy the lot, but not for her. She said she wanted to build a weightlifting gym on the land.

She said she saw how poor children, like her, had difficulty in the sport because of poverty.

“We have parents who didn’t finish education,” Hidilyn said. “Mothers end up as laundrywomen while husbands end up as [tricycle] drivers. I don’t want to see these children end up like their parents. I want to see their lives improve,” she said.

Leonard Aliangan, the village chair of Mampang, said Hidilyn was very helpful even if her family was equally poor.

When Hidilyn comes home on Aug. 14, she would be welcomed by at least 20 weightlifters, who also brought home gold medals for Zamboanga City in various athletic competitions, Aliangan said. Julie Alipala, Inquirer Mindanao