Two separate resolutions was filed by Bacolod Congressman Monico Puentevella yesterday in the House of Representatives commending the two Filipino pugs who recently captured world championship titles and the group Filipinas who conquered the summit of Mt. Everest.

Puentevella, a former Philippine Sports Commissioner, said it is important to herald the feats of the five young athletes as they showcase the Filipino fighting spirit and made significant contribution in restoring national pride and self-respect. Romblon-born Florante Condes floored defending champion Muhammad Rachman twice enroute to capturing the International Boxing Federation mini-flyweight crown via a split decision in Jakarta on July 7.

In less than 24 hours, Nonito Donaire, a 24-year-old Filipino-American who grew up in General Santos City, knocked out undefeated IBF and International Boxing Organization flyweight titlist Vic Darchinyan of Australia in the fifth round to wrest the crown in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

"The accomplishments that they have brought to the country continue to inspire the people of a nation divided by political and economic difficulties, therefore, they deserve to be condemned for their priceless efforts," Puentevella, chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and senior vice chair of the Committee on Youth and Sports, said.

Donaire and Condes are currently the only Filipinos holding international boxing titles. In a separate House resolution, Puentevella commended Mt. Everest conquerors Noelle Wenceslao, Carina Dayondon and Janet Belarmino who traversed the world's highest peak.

The Bacolod solon said the three showed the world the stuff the Filipino athlete is made of. "By showing true grit and determination, these athletes have overcome insurmountable odds and reached the pinnacle of success in their respective fields."

He further lauded the triumvirate's achievement that is one for the books being the first Filipino women to complete the Mt. Everest climb and first from Southeast Asia to reach the summit.*

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