IN a sign that weightlifting may be included in the Palarong Pambansa as a medal sport, Education Secretary Sonny Angara met yesterday with Tokyo Olympic Games weightlifting gold medalist Hidylin Diaz-Naranjo, who discussed her plans to organize training clinics and programs for PE coaches.

Accompanied by husband-coach Julius Naranjo, the couple paid a courtesy call on Angara and revealed their intention of holding clinics for technical officials in weightlifting and staging DepEd-sanctioned competitions. 

Angara was responsive to the gesture of the Naranjos, who have set up their training camp and academy for young weightlifters in Jalajala, Rizal.

For the past years, Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella has been lobbying for the inclusion of the sport, which gave the country its first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo and a silver in the 2016 Rio Games, in the Palaro.

Puentevella has wondered out loud why weightlifting has not been part of the Palaro calendar considering the honor and glory it has given the country in numerous international competitions. 

The Naranjos’ move – offering their services – should open the door for the sport to be included in the Palaro program.

Weightlifting will have to undergo a process before becoming a medal discipline in the country’s annual biggest sports competition for elementary and high school athletes, similar to other sports disciplines in the past.

It could be a demonstration sport in the next edition of the meet in 2025 in Ilocos Norte.

Angara recently signed an agreement with staunch volleyball supporters Rebisco and Creamline pushing for the Rebiscover Learning partnership to conduct training programs and volleyball clinics among school volleyball coaches and athletes.

Through the grassroots program, Rebisco and the Creamline Smashers will provide volleyball kits, and tutorial videos while conducting school training camps nationwide.