Zamboanga City — Residents of Zamboanga City came together to celebrate Eumir Marcial’s homecoming and pay tribute to the local hero. A grand welcome and recognition ceremony was held at City Hall, organized by Mayor John Dalipe and the city government on Friday, October 20. This event aimed to honor Marcial’s recent victory at the 19th Asian Games in China.
In acknowledgment of Marcial’s outstanding achievements in the field of boxing, Mayor Dalipe, accompanied by Vice Mayor Josephine Pareja, Councilor Cary John Pioc, and City Sports Officer Dr. Cecil Atilano, presented Marcial with several tokens of recognition. These included a framed copy of City Council Resolution 2079 honoring Marcial, a plaque of recognition, and a ceremonial check of P300,000, representing a cash incentive from the city government. Additionally, Marcial’s coach was set to receive a P150,000 cash incentive.
During the event, Mayor Dalipe expressed his gratitude to Marcial for his dedication to the sport of boxing, which has brought honor to Zamboanga City and the Philippines. He also commended Marcial for inspiring young athletes to aim for greatness in their respective fields.
“Tu uno del maga guia y luz de maga jovenes, en particular con aquellos quien tiene deseo sigui na de tu paseon na boxing y otro deportes. Muchas gracias por el de tu dedicacion, por el de tu sacrificios, y por el honor que ta comparti tu con el entero raza Zamboangueño!” Mayor Dalipe stated.
In response, Marcial, accompanied by his wife and parents, expressed his gratitude to Mayor Dalipe and the people of Zamboanga for their support and warm welcome. He also conveyed his hopes for the continued success of Zamboangueño athletes and encouraged others to pursue excellence in sports.
“Este medal hinde lang te para comigo, para na entero ciudad te de Zamboanga. Ahora aqui na Pilipinas, sabe sila tiene gale buen sports aqui na Zamboanga. Tiene kita Hidilyn Diaz, tiene kita Eumir Marcial, y mucho pa atleta aqui na Zamboanga. Ojala, hinde kame el ultimo dale honor na Zamboanga. Ojala el diaton maga vivientes, diaton maga jovenes pursigi, precura, ojala liga el tiempo, taqui tambien sila na stage,” Marcial emphasized.
Marcial arrived at Zamboanga International Airport on Friday morning, where he was warmly received by his family and local government officials. A motorcade then escorted Marcial to City Hall for the official recognition ceremony.
Marcial’s silver medal at the Asian Games has secured his place in the Philippine delegation for the Paris Olympics in 2024. In 2022, Marcial had also won a bronze Olympic medal in Tokyo.
