By Glen Jacob Jose
 

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Tuesday handed a cheque worth PHP500,000 for the medical needs to the family of an ailing Lydia De Vega-Mercado, who was once labeled as Asia's fastest woman.

Mercado is currently in critical condition amid her Stage 4 breast cancer battle.

PCSO Chairperson Junie Cua and Vice Chairperson and General Manager Melquiades Robles personally gave the check to De Vega-Mercado's daughter Stephanie Mercado de Koenigswarter, for her mother's medical treatment at the Makati Medical Center.

According to de Koenigswarter, their entire family is grateful for the support they receive from the PCSO. She also assured them their mother is strong and continues to fight in what they called the 'biggest race' of her life.

De Vega's daughter also appealed for prayers and continued support for her mother.

For his part, Robles also called on the public to unite and help the family of de Vega.

"It is also important to ask why we are all here. Hindi naman kami tumatawag ng ganito everytime na meron kaming tinutulungan but why is this extra special, is that what we give to the family of this recent event is definitely not enough, maybe thru your help we can also call our countrymen, institutions to help more," said Robles.

“We are giving but definitely it’s a far cry from what they need. We’re also appealing to others to join us in helping the family. It is a fact siya yung kayamanan ng ating bayan. It may not be enough, bigay namin ay maliit rin lang kumbaga sa kailangan nila pero baka sakali pag nagsama sama, tulong tulong mas matulungan natin sila (What we gave small for what they need, but maybe if we work together, we can help them better.),” he stressed.

Earlier, pole vaulter Ernest John "EJ" Obiena pledged to donate the incentive he would receive from the Philippine Sports Commission to an ailing De Vega-Mercado.

Obiena brought honor and glory to the country by winning a medal in the "most prestigious and competitive" global competition held in the United States on July 24.

Obiena announced that the PHP250,000 incentive he would get from the Philippine Sports Commission for breaking his Asian record in pole vault would be donated in full to Mercado.

De Vega-Mercado herself was a two-time Olympian, having represented the Philippines in the 1984 and 1988 Summer Olympics.

Her accomplishment served as a beacon of inspiration for the nation and will always serve as motivation to Filipinos.