2026 Palarong Pambansa: Hidilyn Diaz beams with pride as kababayan, student finish 1-2 in inaugural weightlifting event

AGUSAN DEL SUR — Years ago, Hidilyn Diaz could only dream of seeing weightlifting become part of the Palarong Pambansa, not merely as a demonstration or exhibition sport, but as a regular medal event.

That dream began taking shape last year when the sport debuted as a demonstration event. This year, it finally became a reality.

"Para sa akin, napakalaki nito dahil dati three regions or two regions ang merong weightlifting. Ngayon nasa 16 na, may 160 athletes na tayo and nagiging accessible na ‘yung sport," Diaz said on the sidelines of the event at the Provincial Government Center in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

"And also, we’re giving the international standard sa mga athletes so dito pa lang, makakasanayan na nila na ito pala ‘yung standard sa international."

Incidentally, the gold and silver medalists both hold a special place in Diaz’s heart.

Adrian Bucol of Region 9 clinched the historic gold medal after totaling 183kg (83kg in the snatch and 100kg in the clean and jerk) to rule the secondary boys’ 48kg division. John Cadag of Region IV-A, meanwhile, claimed silver with a total lift of 176kg.

Bucol hails from Barangay Mampang in Zamboanga, the same community where Diaz grew up, while Cadag trains at Diaz’s weightlifting camp in Jalajala, Rizal.

"Ang nanalo ay ka-baranggay ko, doon siya nag-training sa Zamboanga and then ‘yung second ay ‘yung mga athlete din namin sa Jalajala so masaya ako na ‘yung both na medyo close sa akin ay nanalo and I’m happy to see them earn their medals," added Diaz, the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medalist.

"Alam kong nag-training sila nang maayos at maigi so I’m happy for them."

—JKC, GMA News