A GRAND welcome awaits Manny Pacquiao when he returns home from the US after his demolition of Oscar de la Hoya.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza, who personally watched the fight at the MGM Grand, hailed Pacquiao for his historic feat and announced plans of a grand welcome and victory parade for the world?s best pound-for-pound boxer when he arrives in Manila this week.
?Once again, Manny [Pacquiao] has shown and proven to the whole world that Filipinos have what it takes to be great in whatever field of endeavor,? said Atienza.
Atienza, whom Pacquiao looks up to as his second father, added that the boxing champion?s convincing victory over de la Hoya brings great pride for the country and should inspire all Filipinos to excel in their respective undertakings to achieve outstanding triumphs and even world recognition.
?It was not a walk in the park for Manny to win over de la Hoya. It entailed, among others, determination, hard work and sacrifice. Manny serves as a good example for young Filipinos to follow,? added Pacquiao?s long-time friend and prominent youth leader Ali Atienza, a gold medalist in the 1994 Asian Taekwondo Championships, who was also the former chairman of the Manila Sports Council and Presidential Assistant on Youth and Sports.
The friendship of Pacquiao and the Atienzas go way back when Pacquiao was still training as a young boxer in Manila. It has been Pacquiao?s tradition to make a courtesy call on the Atienzas before and after a big fight, win or lose.
It would be recalled that Pacquiao was made an adopted son of Manila under the Atienza local administration. The DENR, under Atienza?s leadership, also named Pacquiao as Champion for the Environment. In his two previous victories, Pacquiao donated P100,000 each for the preservation of the Philippine Eagle and Tarsier. Pacquiao has formed an organization in General Santos City , his hometown, that helps in protecting the environment and the country?s natural wealth.
Traditionally, Pacquiao goes to the DENR central office in Quezon City on the day of his arrival in the country where he is given a rousing welcome by fans and employees. Then, Pacquiao goes on a motorcade around Metro Manila to thank his supporters who line up the streets and shower him with confetti.
