The Alsons Power Group – the first and most experienced independent power producer in Mindanao – demonstrated strong support for national sports via a $3,500 cash donation for weightlifters Hidilyn Diaz, Nestor Colonia and national coach Alfoncito Aldanete. Diaz and Colonia, who will be competing in the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil, each received $1,000 while Aldanete received $1,500 during simple ceremonies at the power company’s headquarters in Makati City.
Diaz and Colonia, who both hail from Zamboanga City, expressed their gratitude for the financial support adding that the recognition from a Mindanao-based company such as Alsons – whose subsidiary the Western Mindanao Power Corp. (WMPC) operates a 100-MW diesel power plant in Sangali, Zamboanga City while the 105-MW San Ramon Power, Inc. (SRPI) baseload coal plant targeted for construction this year is located in Talisayan, also in Zamboanga City – was a morale-boosting gesture that adds to their determination to bring home the gold.
Diaz and Colonia, who are also members of the Philippine Air Force, are ranked 3rd and 4th in the world, respectively. Diaz will be competing in the 53-kg division while it will be the 56-kg division for Colonia. This will be the third time for Diaz to go for an Olympic gold, having first competed during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, and then in 2012 in London where she was flag bearer during the opening ceremonies. Both Diaz and Colonia have been harvesting medals in regional and international competitions, including a bronze for Colonia in the recent world championship in Houston, Texas and two golds and one silver for Diaz in the Asian Youth/Junior weightlifting Championship in Jeonju, South Korea.
