HIDILYN Diaz, the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medalist, met with Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara to discuss her plans to establish a weightlifting training or clinic program for coaches.

DepEd announced that Diaz offered assistance in providing technical officials and organizing amateur weightlifting competitions. This effort supports her campaign to include weightlifting in the Palarong Pambansa in the near future.

“What an honor and thrill to welcome the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medalist, Hidilyn Diaz, to DepEd Philippines. Not only a champ but one with a heart to serve and give. Looking forward to working together. Thank you @iamnoelferrer @imjulius,” Angara said in a post.

Previously, pole vaulter EJ Obiena also met with the DepEd chief to discuss his initiative to strengthen the Department’s sports programs, especially in athletics, with a particular focus on pole vaulting.

Obiena, currently ranked world No. 3 in pole vaulting, is a two-time Olympian and the fourth-placer in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. He expressed his support for DepEd’s grassroots school sports program.