A statue of Pacman in Cebu City?

CEBU, Philippines - People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao will soon have a statue in the City of Cebu as a symbol of his excellence in boxing and as an inspiration to the youth.

The Cebu City Council yesterday unanimously approved a resolution giving Pacquiao the local awards he deserves, including a life-sized statue.

Councilor Arsenio Pacaña initially made a privilege speech as to how Pacquiao once again placed the country on the world map being a world boxing champion recently after giving Ricky Hatton a good demolition job.

Being chairman of the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Pacaña paved the way for a resolution urging President Gloria Arroyo to bestow him the Mega Tourism Award for becoming the number one tourism promoter of the Philippines.

Immediately after, Councilor Rodrigo Abellanosa made a corollary motion, urging the Cebu City Sports Commission to come up with the needed works for the construction of a statue.

He said that Cebu once had a sports icon – Gabriel “Flash” Elorde who hailed from Bogo - and that a statue of him was erected.

Also, Councilor Raul Alcoseba said that they are preparing a warm welcome for Pacquiao who promised to visit the city next week.

Pacquiao already won six division titles, which according to Pacaña remain “unprecedented in the annals of Filipino boxing history”. — Ferliza C. Contratista/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)