House lawmakers have once again given pole vaulter EJ Obiena a pat on the back for his recent triumph, bagging two gold and a bronze medal in three events in Europe.
Sponsored by House leaders, including the House chief himself, Speaker Martin Romualdez, House Resolution 765 in consolidation of 739 and 769 was adopted on Tuesday via viva voce.
“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.
Proponents of the resolution said Obiena deserves the “utmost distinction and commendation” for bringing honor and glory to the homeland and unselfishly inspiring Filipino athletes to strive to be the best in their chosen sport by dominating international pole vaulting competitions.
“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.
The Filipino Olympian and Asian record holder won his first gold medal this year on 29 January in Roubaix, France, after clearing a season-best 5.82 meters in his first attempt to dominate the 12-player field.
Yao Jie of China finished second while Ethan Cormont of France finished third.
Five days later, he bagged the bronze medal by clearing 5.91 meters to match the Philippine indoor record and finish just behind world record holder Armand Duplantis of Sweden and KC Lightfoot of the United States.
Obiena bagged another gold on 5 February after clearing 5.77 meters in the Orlen Cup.
He bested former world champion Sam Kendricks of the United States, Piotr Lisek of Poland, and Claudio Michel Stecchi of Italy.
This isn’t the first time the lower chamber has feted Obiena for his conquests in the international arena.
Last year, House lawmakers also adopted a resolution honoring him for winning the gold medals in the 26th Internationales Stabhochsprung-Meeting and True Athletes Classic 2022, both held in Germany.
Obiena will be given a copy of the resolution.
