PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday vowed full support for Filipino ace pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena as he prepares for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
The President received Obiena in a courtesy call in Malacañang, honoring him for the glory he brought to the country and for making Filipinos proud.
“We look forward to the Games in Paris. I hope you do well. If there is anything that we can do to help you na maging mas maganda ang inyong resulta, at mas maganda ang maging training, lahat ng ano, sabihin ninyo sa akin dahil napakahalaga ng iyong ginagawa,” Marcos told Obiena during the latter’s courtesy call.
Congratulating the Filipino pole vaulter, the chief executive said: “From your President and I think from the rest of the Philippines, kami’y nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng iyong ginawa, sa dangal na idinala mo sa ating bansa. I think that is the greatest tribute that you can give, the greatest service that you can give to our country is to bring honor to the Philippines.”
Marcos also expressed his gratitude to all those who backed the Filipino champion in attaining global recognition and success.
Obiena holds the third spot in the men’s pole vault world ranking following a historic medal finish at the World Athletics Championships last July.
He returned to the Philippines last month for a break before resuming his training and preparations for the Paris Summer Olympics.
