By MARK REY MONTEJO
More than a decade ago, the house of Aira Villegas and family was crushed and whipped into the air and the city of Tacloban was almost erased from the Philippine map after monster “Typhoon Yolanda” landed in the Eastern Visayas and smashed everything in its path.
The Villegas lost everything from what perhaps the deadliest super typhoon to hit the country or anywhere else in the world but not the will and courage to rise above all kinds of adversities.
Their harrowing experiences that lasted for months had taught them to be resilient, creative and their faith to the “Great One” became much stronger.
Small wonder, Aira Villegas is now a proud owner brand-new house and lot worth P6 million in the city – a huge reward for winning a bronze medal in the recent Paris Olympics.
The daughter of a former fisherman who bagged a bronze medal in the greatest sports show on earth was also gifted with a vehicle worth P1.4 million.
Her blessings – from House Speaker Martin Romualdez and his wife, Rep. Yedda Marie, of Tingog Party List – came a day after she received P1 million each from Mayor Alfred Romualdez and Hiray Foundation.
It proved that good days come after bad days as sunshine follows rain, but Villegas didn’t forget where she came from and disclosed her plans of giving free uniforms for aspiring Taclobanon athletes.
“Marami din po kasing kabataan na walang uniform, gaya ko po nung nag-start ako,” said Villegas last Tuesday’s PSA Forum inside Rizal Memorial Complex in Manila.
“Isi-share ko po sa mga athletes na walang uniform and shoes na naglalaro din po,” she added.
That added to multiple incentives which Villegas collected including P2 million from MVPSF, P1 million from the Office of the President and many more.
More monetary rewards and other incentives are likely to come for the former peanut vendor as she intends to go for the elusive gold medal in the Los Angeles Games four years from now.
