Hero's welcome all set for Pacquiao's homecoming
By Aquiles Z. Zonio
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 12 May 2015
GENERAL SANTOS CITY ? Local government officials here and in nearby Sarangani Province are laying out the red carpet for the arrival of eight-division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao on Thursday.
Glenda Narcilla, Chief of Staff of Gensan Mayor Ronnel Rivera, told Philboxing.com that everything had already been set for the grand arrival of Pacquiao.
?There would be military honors, motorcade along the main thoroughfares of the city and a press conference before he goes to Sarangani,? Narcilla bared.
Narcilla claimed that local government units of Gensan and Sarangani met to discuss the staging of hero?s welcome for Pacquiao despite his unanimous decision defeat against Floyd Mayweather, Jr. during their May 2 mega-buck fight in Las Vegas, Nevada.
?Our fighting congressman deserves a hero?s welcome. Despite his right shoulder injury, he was the more aggressive fighter during the bout. We are proud of his performance and, for us, he is still the champion,? Narcilla said.
Narcilla revealed that upon Pacquiao?s arrival at the Gensan airport, he would be given military honors then followed by his arrival speech.
?Gensan Mayor Ronnel Rivera and Sarangani Gov. Steve Solon will lead the LGU officials who will meet and welcome the champ at the airport,? Narcilla said.
The LGUs prepared a float where Pacquiao and his wife Sarangani Vice Gov. Jinkee, Rivera and Solon will ride on during the duration of the motorcade.
?Schools and commercial establishments located along the motorcade route were asked to shower confetti or wave flaglets. This is to show our moral support to our people?s champ despite his loss,? Narcilla added.
Narcilla, who was also designated head of the hero?s welcome committee, further revealed that they had already requested the local officials and the fans to refrain from shaking the right hand of Pacquiao.
?He just went through a surgery and he needs to rest his shoulder to expedite the recovery. So, we advised the local officials and the fans to refrain from taking his right hand during handshake,? Narcilla said.
Photo: Pacquiao (C) waves to the crowd as he enters the Los Angeles airport Monday evening. He is expected to arrive Manila early morning Wednesday. Photo by Jhay Otamias.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Aquiles Z. Zonio.
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