Bontoc, Mountain Province – ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “The Landslide” A. Folayang who traces his roots to Sadanga, Mountain Province received a warm welcome when he delivered his inspirational message in front of thousands of athletes during the opening of the annual Provincial Athletic Meet on December 17, 2016.
Folayang who was the Keynote Speaker mentioned five principles in life that contributed to his stature today. These include knowing the purpose in everything you do, having the passion, being persistent despite failures, surrounding yourself with the right people, and having faith in God Almighty.
Folayang remarked that what distinguishes winners from losers is that winners refuse to stop.” If you fail, find ways to improve. Next time, you will be different,” he added.
To honor his outstanding achievement, the Provincial Government of Mountain Province through its Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed Resolution No. 2016- 463 commending Folayang for winning the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) World Lightweight Championship. Folayang shocked the world of sports when he defeated Shinya Aoki, the longest defending champion from Japan in round three of the ONE Lightweight World Championship –the biggest MMA promotion in Asia on November 11, 2016.
The resolution states that, “Folayang is indeed one Igorot we can be proud of. He possesses the Igorot trait of perseverance, hard work and sacrifice which ultimately paid off. He has brought pride and honor not only to his family but to the whole Igorot race and to the country as well.”
Bontoc Mayor Franklin C. Odsey warmly welcomed all delegates and urged the athletes to treat sports as an avenue for growth and the improvement of their physique and attitude.
In his inspirational message, Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan Jr., said that Mountain Province has produced athletes who made names in national and international sports competitions. The governor challenged the athletes to make good in sports and urged them to develop and improve their skills and be disciplined as it would bring them to places and help them attain greater heights. “Champions are not born, they are made,” Lacwasan said, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in the training of athletes to become better in sports.
Mountain Province House Representative Maximo B. Dalog Sr. said that the champion’s presence alone is an inspiration to all the athletes. Dalog also urged the athletes to use their talents and skills to excel in sports.
As of this writing, results of the Provincial Athletic Meet are still being tallied by the Department of Education (DepEd)- Mountain Province.
The theme for this year’s Provincial Athletic Meet is “Developing Wellness through Sports Diversity”. **Alpine L. Killa
