Tacloban City—As a personal gesture of gratitude for bringing pride to the country and Leyte, House Speaker and Leyte First District Congressman Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and his wife, Tingog party-list Congresswoman Yedda Marie Romualdez, yesterday gifted Olympian Aira Villegas with a brand-new vehicle worth P1.4 million and a house and lot worth P6 million.
“The Congress is actively working on enhancing the country’s sports programs through two key legislations: the Philippine National Games Act, which aims to ensure a comprehensive national sports program, and a bill supporting Local Sports Programs to provide appropriate funding and support for athletes in local communities,” said Tingog Representative Romualdez during the “Tribute to the Local Athletes” held at the People’s Center in Tacloban City.
Villegas praised the support of the Romualdez couple for her training and successful stint at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“Don’t compare others’ success to yourself. Maintain discipline, training, trust in God, and faith in the people who supported you,” the 29-year-old Tacloban-born Olympic bronze medalist told her fellow athletes.
Meanwhile, all Palarong Pambansa 2024 athletes from the region, together with their parents and coaches, were awarded a monetary allowance through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s AKAP program, amounting to ₱10,000 each.
Additional cash rewards from the personal funds of the Romualdez couple were also given to medalists from the region: 26 bronze medalists received ₱7,000 each, 15 silver medalists received ₱8,000 each, and 20 gold medalists received ₱10,000 each.
The event was also graced by Tingog Director for Community Engagements Karla Estrada, Department of Education-Eastern Visayas Director Evelyn Fetalvero, and DSWD regional officials, among others.
After the ceremony, Tingog Congresswoman Romualdez accompanied Villegas and her family in the blessing of their new home.
Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez also gave ₱1 million, and another ₱1 million from the Hiraya Foundation, as cash rewards to Villegas for being the first-ever Olympic medalist from the city.
