Manager ni Hidilyn Diaz, nilinaw ang "drawing" remark sa lifetime free fuel
- Hidilyn Diaz received fuel support for only the first two years after her historic Olympic gold
- Phoenix Petroleum’s lifetime fuel promise was initially announced as an incentive without conditions
- Manager Noel Ferrer emphasizes valuing athletes even after their time in the spotlight
- Ferrer calls for honesty and proper recognition of contributions to Philippine sports
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Noel Ferrer, the manager of Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, addressed the recent online discussion surrounding Phoenix Petroleum’s so-called “lifetime fuel” promise. Ferrer clarified that Diaz received fuel support only for the first two years following her historic win, despite the impression created by the initial announcement.
Source: Instagram
“Phoenix Petroleum made the promise public in 2021 when Hidilyn won the country's first-ever Gold Medal in the Olympics,” Ferrer explains.
“The lifetime fuel incentive was their announcement, their commitment—not hearsay.”
According to Ferrer, the incentive was presented in press materials with no conditions, meant purely as a reward for Diaz’s achievement.
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The issue resurfaced online when netizens circulated the original announcement, sparking confusion over whether the promise was truly “for a lifetime.” Ferrer notes that the misunderstanding highlights a broader cultural tendency to overlook athletes once they are no longer in the public eye.
“Sana matuto tayong bigyan ng importansya hindi lang ang mga salita at pangakong binitiwan, kundi ang pagpapahalaga sa mga atletang naghatid ng karangalan sa bansa,” Ferrer says.
The statement urges Filipinos to appreciate the ongoing contributions of athletes beyond their moments of fame. Ferrer adds that these discussions should promote both honesty and sincerity in public statements.
Ferrer concludes his message with a call for reflection:
“May these tough times bring out the best in us—and the honesty to match public pronouncements.”
His statement serves as a reminder that recognition for Filipino athletes should extend beyond headlines, rewards, and fleeting moments, acknowledging the lasting impact of their dedication on sports and national pride.
Hidilyn Francisco Diaz is a trailblazing Filipina athlete who made history as the first Olympic gold medalist from the Philippines. She achieved this historic feat at the Tokyo 2020 Games by dominating the women’s 55 kg weightlifting category. A four-time Olympian and 2016 silver medalist, Diaz has become a symbol of dedication and excellence in sports. Beyond her competitive success, she now shares her expertise as a faculty member at UP Diliman, mentoring young Filipino athletes.
Recently, netizens highlighted Hidilyn Diaz’s lifetime free fuel perk as global oil prices surged. The incentive was granted by Phoenix Petroleum after her historic Olympic gold win at Tokyo 2020. Fuel prices are expected to rise by P17 to P24 per liter, causing motorists to line up at gas stations. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin expressed support for fuel subsidies for farmers, fisherfolk, and public transport drivers to ease the impact of rising energy costs.
Meanwhile, Hidilyn Diaz officially joined the UP Diliman faculty after completing the Teaching Effectiveness Course in January. She will teach two PE 2 weightlifting classes in the second semester of the 2025–2026 academic year at the College of Human Kinetics. Diaz plans to develop a weightlifting curriculum to share her elite experience with students. Despite her legendary status, she admitted feeling a mix of nerves and excitement, seeing this teaching role as a “level-up” opportunity in her career.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
