GENERAL SANTOS CITY — It was a hero’s welcome, indeed, as thousands of residents flocked to the city’s main streets to catch a glimpse world boxing sensation Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, the country’s biggest sports hero.
As early as 6 a.m., traffic policemen said Pacquiao’s well wishers coming from as far as Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, Davao del Sur and Cotabato provinces, started to arrive at the city plaza here.
Some private and public schools also suspended their classes to allow their students and teachers to witness Pacquiao’s homecoming.
“This is really one of a kind. I’ve never seen this huge crowd before,” said Norma Fontanes, a flower vendor near City Hall here for nearly two decades now.
Pacquiao, his wife Jinky and two sons arrived on board a private jet from Manila at around 10:30 a.m. Monday, eight days after flooring his Mexican nemesis Erik Morales in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao was met at the airport by local businessmen and officials led by Mayor Pedro Acharon Jr., who accompanied Pacquiao in a motorcade around the city.
The boxing idol, clad in striped blue and white long-sleeved polo shirt, stood beside his father Rosalio during the motorcade on board a float designed with a huge golden crown and a boxing championship belt.
His mother Dionisia, who has also become a celebrity after appearing on national television the past two weeks, waved to her “fans” in a vehicle trailing Pacquiao’s float.
Pacquiao’s motorcade passed by at least five barangays here before it ended at about noon at the city hall’s covered court for a brief program hosted by the city government.
“I am very proud to have come from this city. I’ve been looking forward to this homecoming to personally thank you for all your support,” he told at least a thousand residents who gathered at the covered court.
Pacquiao said he was greatly inspired as he watched a live feed of residents here on satellite television in Las Vegas before his fight on January 22 (evening of January 21 in the US).
Mayor Acharon said Pacquiao deserves the highest honor for bringing honor to the city and the entire nation.
“He placed General Santos City in the world map,” he said.
Councilor Lourdes Casabuena said the city council passed a resolution last week honoring Pacquiao’s recent feat.
“I just hope that he continues to train and fight hard and remain kind-hearted and good-natured because our young kids are really looking up to him,” she said.
Casabuena said that aside from Pacquiao’s commendation, he would also receive a token of P30,000 from the city government as reward for winning a international fight.
