LEYTE, Philippines — The Tacloban City government is setting up a hero's welcome for Aira Villegas, a bronze medalist in women's boxing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The office of Mayor Alfred Romualdez is waiting for the athlete to return to the Philippines before finalizing the date of the homecoming event.

"Aira is Tacloban City's first Olympic medalist," Romualdez said in a social media post on Thursday.

"She demonstrated to the world the amazing skill and talent of a Taclobanon, inspiring young people," he added.

Villegas reached the semifinals in the women's 50-kg boxing but bowed to third seed Buse Naz Cakiroglu of Turkey and settled for the bronze.

The 29-year-old Villegas began her Olympic journey in 2010 during the Tacloban Summer Sports Clinic. She became a national athlete in 2012 and an Olympic medalist in 2024.

She said during her courtesy visit to Romualdez last March that her elder brother Romnick, who is also a boxer, sparked her interest in the sport.

As a kid, she witnessed her brother's boxing matches and discovered the thrill of athletics in addition to academic studies.

Villegas said she will work harder than ever to reach her goal of winning the gold.