By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Olympic silver medalist Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco led the newest batch of inductees into the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame during the 5th Enshrinement Ceremony held at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) House on Saturday, June 20.

Velasco, one of the country’s most celebrated boxers and a silver medal winner at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, was among seven sports icons honored for their outstanding contributions to Philippine sports.

Joining the Negros Occidental’s Bago City native in the Hall of Fame were basketball legend Ramon Fernandez, Paralympic bronze medalist Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta, former tennis star Cecil Mamiit, athletics stalwart Isidro del Prado, and multi-sport athlete Bea Lucero-Lhuillier.

The late Eduardo Pacheco, who represented the Philippines in both basketball and football, was also inducted posthumously.

The ceremony was led by PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio, who paid tribute to the inductees for inspiring generations of Filipino athletes through their achievements and dedication to their respective sports.

“We can never thank you enough. Tonight, we offer our gratitude. Tomorrow, and every day after, we will strive to honor your legacy not only with words, but through the work of building a stronger future for Philippine sport,” Gregorio said.

Established in 1999, the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame recognizes athletes, coaches and sports personalities who have brought honor and pride to the country through excellence in competition.

The ceremony was rescheduled from its original date to ensure the attendance of the living inductees. Mamiit traveled from the United States to personally receive the honor.

The former Davis Cup campaigner won six Southeast Asian Games gold medals and two Asian Games bronze medals during his career.

Each inductee received a commemorative trophy created by renowned Filipino artist Leandro Baldemor and a P500,000 cash incentive.

Pacheco’s family accepted the award on behalf of the late athlete.

Gregorio concluded the event by thanking the honorees for their sacrifices and achievements while representing the Philippines on the international stage.

“Salamat sa paglaban. Salamat sa hindi pagsuko. Salamat sa puso at alab,” he said.

“Just like the flag that you have worn so proudly — kayo ang maningning na mga bituin at araw ng bayang Pilipinas — kailan pa man ay ‘di magdidilim,” he added./ASC, WDJ