DENR ROLLS OUT RED CARPET FOR PACMAN
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 11 Oct 2007
MANILA -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) headed by Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao's long-time friend and supporter, Secretary Lito Atienza, is scheduled to host a heartwarming victory party today as it rolls out the red carpet to honor the homecoming boxing champion.
Fresh from his latest victory over Marco Antonio Barrera, the people's champ is scheduled to arrive at 4:00am at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) where he will be personally fetched by Secretary Atienza who watched Pacquiao defeat the Mexican fighter in Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas last weekend.
At 8:30am, Pacquiao will pay a courtesy call on Secretary Atienza at the DENR Main Office along Visayas Avenue in Quezon City where thousands of employees, fans and friends are expected to meet and rain the World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Featherweight Champion with colorful confetti.
This will be followed by a press conference that will be held at the Social Hall, Second Floor of the DENR Main Office.
At 10:00am, Secretary Atienza will bring Pacquiao to the Malaca?ang Palace for a separate courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
The solid friendship of Pacquiao, an adopted son of Manila, and Atienza, who was a three-term Manila Mayor, dates back to the early training years of the people's champ at a boxing gym in Sampaloc.
It has been Pacquiao's practice to meet with Atienza before and after a big fight. Win or lose, Atienza leads a fitting tribute for Pacquiao "who continues to unite and bring pride to our nation, as well as provide an inspiration for Filipinos to be champions in their own fields."
It was only during the Atienza administration in Manila where the public had the chance to watch Pacquiao's fights for free, live with no commercial breaks in all of the city's sports complexes that were redeveloped under the successful Buhayin ang Maynila urban renewal program.
Top photo: Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines celebrates after defeating Mexico's Marco Antonio Barrera last Saturday at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. AP Photo.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Marlon Bernardino.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Highland Boxing Promotions Presents "Warrior Showdown" in Bangkok on June 27
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 25 Jun 2026Usyk reportedly considering retirement but could face Kabayel before the year ends
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 25 Jun 2026Luke Littler and Ben Whittaker join forces as Matchroom Sport takes over New York City
Thu, 25 Jun 2026IOC Announces $10,000 'Fit for the Future' Grant for All Qualifying Olympians, Including Boxers
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 25 Jun 2026Boxers did it first: IBA President welcomes IOC’s decision on allocating funds among athletes
Thu, 25 Jun 2026PH national now ready for Asia-Oceania Sambo
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 25 Jun 2026UFC TITLE CHALLENGER IAN MACHADO GARRY JOINS MATCHROOM TALENT AGENCY AS EDDIE HEARN LAUDS 'SUPERSTAR' SIGNING
Thu, 25 Jun 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Fathers in the boxing world
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 24 Jun 2026Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan arrive for Asia & Oceania Sambo Tournament
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 24 Jun 2026Mexican Hall of Fame Legend Carlos Zarate undergoes surgery in Mexico
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 24 Jun 2026IM Arca to see action in 28th Asian Youth Chess Championships 2026 in Shenzhen,China
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 24 Jun 2026Lenar Perez to Face Former Two-Time World Title Challenger Thabiso Mchunu, with Fendero-Fondjo as Co-Feature on September 3 in Montreal!
Wed, 24 Jun 2026Gustavo Trujillo'S Remarkable Journey Continues as Reigning Bkb Heavyweight Champion Climbs the Pro Boxing Ranks
Wed, 24 Jun 2026AMER ABDALLAH APPOINTED ADVISOR TO THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN BOXING FEDERATION
Wed, 24 Jun 2026Youth Sports Sambo on June 25
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 24 Jun 2026