The Kalinga tribe is united in support of 29-year-old boxer Hergie Tao-Wag Bacyadan as she competes for the gold medal in the Women’s Boxing 75 kilograms category at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Bacyadan hails from Tanudan, Kalinga. She is one of 15 Filipino athletes striving to bring home a gold medal from the Olympics.

In a show of unwavering support, her family held a prayer vigil to pray for her safety and success in the competition. 

Her mother, Evangeline Tao-Wag Bacyadan, shared that Hergie initially showed interest in wushu before discovering her talent and passion for boxing.

Fighting back tears, she sent a heartfelt message to her daughter:

“Anak, Hergie — naiiyak ako — galingan mo. Alam namin na kayang-kaya mo [yan]. Andito lang kami Tao-wag at Bacyagan family... bring home the bacon and the flag of the Philippines," Evangeline said.