Boxer Nesthy Petecio (Photo grabbed from Tokyo2020 Twitter)
DAVAO CITY – The local government unit of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur is in the thick of preparations for the homecoming of Olympic silver medalist boxer Nesthy Petecio.
Raised in Tuban, Sta. Cruz, Petecio will be given honor for bringing pride to the country through a hero's welcome, Mayor Jaime Lao Jr. said Tuesday.
Petecio is bringing home the country's first silver medal in women's boxing. The last silver medal won by the country was in men's boxing during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics through Mansueto "Onyok" Velasco.
Lao said strict health protocols would be observed during the welcome ceremonies.
Petecio would be given cash incentives but Lao did not disclose the amount. He said he has instructed the local finance committee to realign funds for cash incentives for the lady boxer.
Davao del Sur Gov. Marc Cagas said preparations for Petecio's return had been discussed even before her fight at the Tokyo Games.
“Right before her fight, we already have a meeting and we discussed that we will prepare something for her whether she will win or not. As to the preparation, we are yet finalizing it especially in accordance with Covid-19 rules,” Cagas said.
Petecio is among the Mindanaoans who will arrive home with Olympic medals around their neck. Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz from Zamboanga is the first Filipino to bring home an Olympic gold medal.
Petecio's fellow boxers, Eumir Marcial and Carlo Paalam, are also assured of bronze in their respective categories. (PNA)
