Matthew Diaz, nephew of Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, earned a silver medal in the under-52 kg weightlifting category at the 2026 Palarong Pambansa in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
Intense Competition Highlights Diaz's Journey
Diaz faced off against Rodelyn Cruz from Zamboanga, a hometown contender, in a closely contested battle for the gold.
It’s really sad, because I really trained so hard... but if it’s not for you, it’s not for you. I want to be a member of the national team and an Olympian.
Matthew Diaz, Weightlifter
The competition saw Diaz opening the clean and jerk segment with a successful lift of 110 kg, a weight that Cruz matched. However, the stakes rose when the bar was increased to 113 kg.
After struggling with his lift, Cruz seized the opportunity on his final attempt, clinching the gold with a 114 kg lift. Diaz's last attempt at 116 kg would have secured him the top spot but resulted in a fall.
Despite his disappointment, Diaz expressed gratitude for the experience and a determination to improve for future competitions.
Rising Stars in Weightlifting
In related news, Stephanie Mandigma from Rizal, another protégé of Hidilyn Diaz, won gold in the girls' under-40 kg category, lifting a total of 121 kg. Her performance further emphasizes the growing influence of the Diaz family in Philippine weightlifting.
Swimming Records Shattered at Palaro
The Palarong Pambansa also saw multiple swimming records broken, including Charles Nathan Boneo, who set a new benchmark in the boys' 100-meter freestyle.
As of now, the National Capital Region leads the medal tally, reflecting a strong performance across various sports, including athletics and swimming.