The country lost a sports giant when Lydia de Vega perished on a quiet Wednesday evening.

She was 57.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was among the first to send his condolences, saying that de Vega fought a good fight despite losing her four-year battle with breast cancer.

"I join the entire nation in mourning the untimely demise of former Asian Sprint Queen Lydia de Vega after a four-year battle with breast cancer. My sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones," said the Chief Executive, whose father's Project: Gintong Alay program was instrumental in launching de Vega's athletic career.

"Lydia has run her last race. She has finished her contest. She has fought a good fight. Let us pray for her peace."

Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association chairman emeritus also joined President Marcos in extending his condolences, saying that more than being a legend, de Vega is also a role model, something whom the present crop of national athletes should look up to.

"I join the country, especially the athletics community in mourning the death of Lydia "Diay" de Vega. We stormed heaven with our prayers. The Lord had other great plans for Diay," said Juico, who served as the Philippine Sports Commission chairman during the tail-end of de Vega's athletic career.

"Had Diay stayed a bit longer in this life, she would have continued to have been a role model and an inspiration as authentic Filipino athlete who genuinely loved sports for the good it could do and not for what she could get out of it. She knew that a force for good like sports should bring out the best in people."

Another official in sports commissioner Olivia "Bong" Coo said de Vega's passing is tough for her, especially since they competed together in countless international events.

"I grieve as an athlete and friend. Lydia is my contemporary. Her passing is such a big loss to Philippine sports," said Coo, a member of the International Bowling Hall of Fame.

"I am sure her legacy and achievements will continue to inspire for generations to come, as she was also an inspiration to me. Let us all pray for her as she runs her final journey to her heavenly reward. We will miss you Diay."