By Paulo Loreto Lim

The Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod recently passed a resolution recognizing local taekwondo athlete Jerik Joseph Paiwas, who won gold at the World Taekwondo Culture Expo, which took place in South Korea from July 12 to 17.

Paiwas, an Education Training Center School-1 Grade 5 student, won gold in both kyorugi and poomsae events.

Kyorugi is a demonstration of sparring, while poomsae is comprised of basic attack and defense motions associated with the martial art.

According to the resolution, penned by Bacolod City Councilor Caesar Distrito, “The achievement he attained in taekwondo, at such a young age, is remarkable that it will serve as an inspiration to other student-athletes in Bacolod City and the rest of Negros Occidental.”

The Philippine team took home a total of 24 medals from the event.

Earlier this year, the Philippine Taekwondo Association, in partnership with the Hanah Taekwondo gym, held free clinics in Bacolod City./PLL, WDJ