Senate adopts resolution expressing condolences on Lydia de Vega's passing

The Senate on Monday adopted a resolution expressing the chamber's sympathies and condolences on Olympian Lydia de Vega's passing.

During the Senate session, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva sponsored several resolutions and honored his fellow Bulacan native whom he called a "woman of pride, prowess, persistence and faith."

"Mr. President, while most of us have our own marathons in life, Ate Jai reminded us that the hardest and the longest races are not those that start with a gunfire and end with a finish line ribbon but the way you lived your life for your country and your countrymen," Villanueva said in his sponsorship speech.

De Vega, from Mecauayan in Bulacan, brought the Philippines to the pedestal of athletics and sports, Villanueva said.

Villanueva added that he grew up looking up to De Vega, recalling the times that he saw the Olympian training along McArthur Highway in Bulacan.

Apart from being a sports icon, Villanueva acknowledged De Vega for serving as city councilor of Mecauayan, Bulacan from 2001 to 2004 and taking the role of a coach to young sprinters.

"Ate Jai, salamat po sa pagtakbo sa takbuhin ng paglilingkod bilang isang ina, anak, asawa, at bilang isang Pilipino. Maraming salamat sa pagpapaalala na ang bawat paltos sa ating mga talampakan ay may katumbas na gintong medalya," he said.

"Let us learn from Ate Jai de Vega-Mercado that life isn't measured by meters or kilometers but by the number of finish lines we have overcome trying to make a difference in this world," he added.

Apart from Villanueva, Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Go, and Risa Hontiveros have also honored the late Olympian.

Last week, De Vega's family announced the death of the Philippine sports icon.

De Vega died after her battled with breast cancer. She was 57. -- BAP, GMA News