Weightlifters under the Alsons Power–Hidilyn Diaz (APHD) Scholarship Program delivered an impressive showing in 2025, collecting a total of 49 medals across international, regional, and national competitions. Building on this strong momentum, the young athletes are now preparing for an intensive international competition slate in 2026.
Implemented through Alsons Power’s Zamboanga-based subsidiary, the Western Mindanao Power Corporation (WMPC), the APHD Program supported 12 scholars by the end of 2025 and is set to further expand its international exposure efforts this year.
In 2025, APHD athletes competed in major global events such as the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Youth and Junior World Championships, Asian Weightlifting Championships, Asian Youth and Junior Championships, the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, and the Asian Games. They also delivered podium finishes in national competitions, including the Palarong Pambansa and various regional meets across Mindanao.
Among the standout performers was Jhodie Peralta, who dominated the youth circuit. She opened her campaign with a two-gold sweep in the girls’ 53kg division and later secured a three-gold sweep in the women’s 55kg Youth category at the IWF Youth and Junior World Championships in Lima, Peru.
Peralta also made her SEA Games debut in Chonburi, Thailand, finishing fourth in the women’s 53kg class. She was the youngest member of the Philippine weightlifting team and the youngest competitor in her category.
Bigger Stages Ahead
The 2026 season begins with the Asian Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad, India from April 1 to 10, where sisters Rosegie and Rose Jean Ramos will open the Philippine campaign.
In April, Peralta competes in the IWF Junior World Championships in Egypt, followed by the IWF Youth World Championships in Bogota, Colombia in June, where she will be joined by Alexsandra Ann Diaz.
In August, Peralta and Diaz will team up with Princess Jay Ann Diaz for the Asian Youth and Junior Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The scholars are also set to compete in two of the sport’s biggest events this year. At the 20th Asian Games in Aichi–Nagoya, Japan in September, Peralta and the Ramos sisters will represent the Philippines. Shortly after, Peralta and Rosegie Ramos will compete at the IWF World Championships in Ningbo, China from October 27 to November 8.
A major milestone awaits Peralta and Alexsandra Ann Diaz at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal from October 31 to November 13—marking a significant step in their transition from youth standouts to future elite contenders.
Long-term athlete development
National team coach Allen Diaz credited the medal surge to years of disciplined preparation and exposure to high-level competition.
“This is the result of systematic training and learning how to perform under pressure,” Diaz said, noting that Alsons Power Group’s support covering logistics, training requirements, and athlete welfare has been critical.
For Antonio Miguel B. Alcantara, CEO of Alsons Power Group, the achievements of the scholars and their upcoming competitions reflect what consistent investment in Philippine sports can achieve.
“These results show what sustained support can deliver beyond a single competition cycle,” Alcantara said. “Our goal is to help develop athletes who can compete repeatedly at the highest levels, while remaining grounded in discipline, education, and personal growth.”
