Hidilyn Diaz, tinupad ang “calling” na maglingkod sa bansa sa pamamagitan ng pagtuturo

• Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz begins teaching PE 2 weightlifting classes at UP Diliman
• She expresses gratitude to UP-CHK and the Philippine Sports Commission for supporting her teaching journey
• Hidilyn completed a Teaching Effectiveness Course to prepare for her role as an educator
• Fans and students react positively to her new role, celebrating her dedication to spreading weightlifting

Hidilyn Diaz, the Philippines’ Olympic gold medalist, has officially started teaching weightlifting at the University of the Philippines Diliman College of Human Kinetics. The announcement was shared on her Instagram account, where she posted snapshots from her first class.

"I said YES to the calling to serve our nation through teaching weightlifting in UP CHK. I hope weightlifting will be understood and loved by many Filipinos," Diaz wrote in her post.

She also thanked those who helped make her teaching role possible.

"Thank you @updchksc for giving me the opportunity to teach weightlifting in UP and to @phil.sportscommission in the leadership of Chairman Pato for donating weightlifting equipment to UP for my PE weightlifting class," she added.

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Fans quickly responded with support, with one comment reading:

"Such a gift you are!"

The weightlifting champion’s transition into teaching was preceded by a Teaching Effectiveness Course held at the UP Diliman School of Economics from January 12 to 15. Diaz shared that the course gave her insights on handling and managing her classes.

"Good thing na naka-attend ako nitong TEC. Nagkaroon ako ng idea kung paano iyong magiging approach ko sa pag-handle ng class. I am also thankful for my CHK colleagues’ support, they were there to cheer and help me," she said.

For the second semester of Academic Year 2025–2026, Diaz is teaching two PE 2 weightlifting classes. She revealed her appointment last October after discussions with the UP-CHK College Executive Board. Reflecting on her new role, Diaz said:

"When they asked, 'Why teach?' I said, 'Because I want to keep learning, and I hope my students will learn from me too.' Designing a curriculum to promote and spread weightlifting has always been a dream."

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Excited yet nervous, Diaz expressed her commitment to giving her best:

"I love weightlifting, and I'll keep doing my best to grow and share the sport I love. Can’t wait to meet my future students and co-faculty members."

Hidilyn Francisco Diaz is a trailblazing Filipina athlete who made history as the first Olympic gold medalist from the Philippines. She achieved this landmark victory at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by excelling in the women’s 55 kg weightlifting division. A four-time Olympian and 2016 silver medalist, Diaz has become an icon of perseverance and excellence in Philippine sports. Beyond her competitive achievements, she now shares her expertise as a faculty member at the University of the Philippines Diliman, inspiring the next generation of athletes.

Recently, Manuel Noel Ferrer addressed the controversy surrounding the fuel incentive awarded to Hidilyn Diaz. On Facebook, he clarified that the fuel benefit from Phoenix Petroleum was originally announced publicly as “FREE FUEL FOR LIFE,” without any conditions or restrictions at the time of the announcement. Ferrer emphasized that Diaz’s camp respects the company’s decision to discontinue the benefit while highlighting the athlete’s continued dedication to bringing pride and honor to the Philippines.

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Meanwhile, according to her manager, Hidilyn Diaz received fuel support only for the first two years following her historic Olympic gold. Ferrer reiterated that the lifetime fuel promise from Phoenix Petroleum had initially been presented without conditions. He also stressed the importance of valuing athletes even after their peak years in the spotlight. Ferrer further called for honesty and proper recognition of contributions made to Philippine sports, highlighting the need to honor athletes’ achievements with transparency and integrity.

Source: KAMI.com.gh