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House commends Obiena for winning medals in 3 world events

By Filane Mikee Cervantes

February 15, 2023, 6:00 am

<p>Pole vaulter EJ Obiena<em> (File photo)</em></p>

Pole vaulter EJ Obiena (File photo)

MANILA – The House of Representatives on Tuesday adopted a resolution commending Filipino pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena for winning two gold medals and a bronze medal in three world events during the past weeks.

During the plenary session, the chamber adopted House Resolution (HR) 765, congratulating Obiena for bagging two gold medals in the Perche En Or competition in Roubaix, France and Orlen Cup held in Lodz, Poland, and a bronze medal in the Mondo Classic in Uppsala, Sweden.

The resolution was introduced by Speaker Martin Romualdez, Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, and Tingog Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez and Jude Acidre.

“What EJ Obiena has achieved has once again brought honor to the Philippines in the world stage. His accomplishments deserve our highest honors and recognition,” Romualdez said.

On Jan. 29, Obiena won his first gold medal for the year by winning the Perche en Or indoor tournament in France after clearing a season-best 5.82 meters in his first attempt to dominate the 12-player field.

China’s Yao Jie placed second and France’s Ethan Cormont won third place.

On Feb. 3, Obiena won the bronze medal by clearing another season-best 5.91 meters, which matched his Philippine indoor record, just behind world record holder Mondo Duplantis of Sweden who won the gold and KC Lightfoot of the United States who placed second.

On Feb. 5, Obiena again bagged another gold medal in the Orlen Cup after hurling a 5.77 meters bar. He bested former world champion Sam Kendricks of the United States, Piotr Lisek of Poland, and Claudio Michel Stecchi of Italy.

The resolution noted Obiena’s excellent record as an athlete, mentioning his medals in pole vaulting events, such as the Asian Athletics Championships during the 23rd Biennial Meet in Doha, Qatar; the 22nd World Athletics Championships held in Oregon, USA on July 24, 2022; and his gold medal in the 26th Internationales Stabhocsprung-Meet in Jockgrim, Germany on Aug. 23, 2022, among others.

“A deserving athlete, EJ Obiena holds the distinction of being the first Filipino to be given a scholarship by the International Association of Athletics Federations,” the resolution read.

“Dominating the international competitions in the field of pole vaulting, Ernest John 'EJ' Uy Obiena deserves utmost distinction and commendation for continuously bringing honor and glory to the Philippines and unselfishly inspiring Filipino athletes to work hard and aim high – to be the best in their chosen field of sport.” (PNA)

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