Hidilyn Diaz promoted to sergeant for gold medal win

MANILA — For winning the country’s first gold medal in the 53-kg weightlifting category in the ongoing Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games in Palembang, Indonesia, Airwoman 1st Class Hidilyn Diaz was promoted to the next rank (sergeant) effective Tuesday.

The promotion was based on Special Order Number 475 and subjected to the Enlisted Personnel Promotion System in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Air Force spokesperson Maj. Aris Galang said Wednesday.

She was also awarded with a plaque of recognition for extra-ordinary and distinguished achievement, along with an Outstanding Achievement Medal with First Bronze Anahaw Leaf.

Aside from these awards, Diaz and two other Air Force weightlifter participants in the Asian Games, Airman 2nd Class Jeffrey Garcia and Airman 2nd Class Nestor Colonia, were given motorcade from Villamor Air Base’s Gate One to the Philippine Air Force Gymnasium.

Present during the ceremonies honoring Diaz and her two companions were PAF commander Lt. Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

Hidilyn, a silver medalist in the 2016 Olympics, bagged the Philippines’ first gold medal in the Asian Games capturing the women’s 53-kg event on the 115 Clean and Jerk categories for a total of 207 kilograms.