MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is preparing a rousing welcome for boxing champion Manny Pacquiao when he flies home this week from his recent triumph in Las Vegas.
The DENR will literally roll out the red carpet for Pacquiao, fresh from his second conquest of Mexican boxing champ Marco Antonio Barrera, when he pays a courtesy call on Secretary Lito Atienza, his patron when he was still starting his boxing career.
?He?s a hero,” William Ragos, director for special concerns, said in an interview, explaining the reason for the welcome. ?He?s an icon to Filipinos, and he has brought glory to the country.”
Pacquiao is expected to arrive in Manila on Friday.
It?s the first time the department is mounting the red carpet welcome for a sports icon, an honor usually reserved for ranking government officials and ambassadors, among other VIPs.
It?s no secret that Atienza is a father-figure to the boxing icon. He reveled in Pacquiao?s conquests, riding with him in victory motorcades around Manila?s crowded streets when he was the city mayor.
Atienza was at ringside when the 28-year-old boxer from General Santos City hacked out a unanimous decision over the older, more experienced Barrera in a fight broadcast worldwide.
Pacquiao knocked the Mexican down in the 11th round in their first clash four years ago.
When he?s driven to the DENR main office in Quezon City, Pacquiao should expect to be greeted by streamers on the gate and facade of the building, and mobbed by his adoring fans at the department.
?We have advised all employees to receive Manny, and make him feel that he?s welcome here,” Ragos said.
The department insisted that this would be much simpler than the usually festive, raucous welcome hosted by Atienza at the Manila City Hall in the past, according to Ragos.
