TABUK CITY,Kalinga — The provincial government of Kalinga honored Hergie Tao-wag Bacyadan, the first Kalinga athlete to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics, with a special ceremonial program, on September 9.
Governor James S. Edduba, together with SP members Hon. Antonio Bakilan, Hon. Danzel Michael Langkit, Hon.Lester Lee Tarnate, and Hon. Mark Aldrich Diasen, awarded Bacyadan a cash incentive of 500,000 pesos through SP Resolution No. 2024-222.
Vice Governor Jocel C. Baac, represented by Atty. Christopher Dona-al, congratulated Bacyadan, saying, “She may not have won the medal yet, but we can definitely achieve more through her.”
Governor Edduba expressed pride in Bacyadan’s accomplishments, acknowledging the hardships she faced. “Kadagiti inistoryam nga rigat mo, dagiti nagsangsangitam, dagiti sakripisyo, dagiti saksakit ti bagbagim, ket daytoy ti supapakna. Nakitam nu kasanu ti panagwelcome ti kakailyan nga taga Kalinga kenka. You have seen how they love you. You have seen how they are very proud of you. You have seen how they want to be like you.”
This Kalinga Hero’s Welcome began with a motorcade passing through schools, where students participated to show their support and well wishes to the Olympian.
Hergie Tao-wag Bacyadan, from Taloctoc, Tanudan, made history as the first Kalinga athlete to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
She represented the Philippines in the women’s 75 kg (middleweight) boxing division.
Bacyadan reflected on the challenges she faced throughout her journey, including the lack of professional training during her early years in sports.
She recalled carrying sacks of palay during college, which contributed to her physical strength. “It’s not surprising that even without professional training back then, I was already physically strong,” Bacyadan said.
Her path to the Olympics was marked by obstacles, and she admitted there were times she considered giving up due to limited resources and emotional difficulties. However, the support of her family kept her going. She earned her spot in the Olympics after defeating Venezuela’s Maryelis Yriza in the 2024 World Olympic Qualification Tournament.
Before the provincial government’s recognition, Bacyadan was honored with the traditional welcome ceremony by the Taloctoc community in Tanudan.
