Former garbage picker from Angono is now a SEA Games silver medalist

A former garbage picker from Angono, Rizal has brought glory to the Philippines after bagging a silver medal in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.

According to Chino Trinidad's report on "24 Oras," Monday, Lovely Inan was a late replacement for the women's 49kg category in weightlifting.

But that did not stop her from giving her all in the tournament, and now she is a certified winner in her first SEA Games.

"Para na rin kaming nanalo ng ginto eh. In-expect namin makapatong lang kami sa bronze, OK na kami. Kumbaga, basta binigay sa amin ni Lord, ito na 'yun," said Richard Agosto, the coach who discovered Lovely.

Lovely said her inspiration to do well is her niece, who lost her mother, Lovely's sister. She has been providing for the young girl for four years now.

Coach Richard said he found Lovely picking garbage on the streets and saw potential in her.

"Nagkataon na talagang naniniwala ako sa mga klaseng bata na 'yan na malakas ang katawan, malakas ang utak, na hindi basta-basta umaayaw basta nahihirapan," he said.

"Sa status ng buhay nila sanay sila lumaban para sa self-improvement para sa pamilya," he added.

Congratulations on your silver medal, Lovely!

—MGP, GMA Integrated News