PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. hailed the achievements of pole vault champion Ernest John Obiena and other Filipino athletes who continue to make the country proud with their victories in the wonderful world of sports.

“You inspire young people to go down that road. I think that is the greatest tribute and service that you can give to our country – it is to bring honor to the Philippines,” said President Marcos during the courtesy visit of Obiena at the Malacañang Palace the other day.

“Ang sport, kapag nag-champion ang isang atleta, walang downside yan, puro maganda. Eveything that came out of your winning is good. It is all good,”added President Marcos.

“Isang malaking karangalan lagi ang makilala ang ating mga atletang kampeon. Ang kwento ng tagumpay at sakripisyo ni champion pole vaulter EJ Obiena ay magsisilbing inspirasyon sa maraming kabataang Pilipino.”

“Congratulation EJ at good luck sa iyong mga pinaghahandaang kumpetisyon. Ako at ang buong Pilipinas ay nasa iyong likuran.”

Obiena presented the 2022 World Athletics Championships pole vault bronze medal he won last July to President Marcos.

The 26-year-old pole vault champion from Tondo, Manila was accompanied during the courtesy visit to President Marcos by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Jose Emmanuel “Noli” M. Eala, Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) President Terry Capistrano and PSC Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy, Jr.

Marcos has shown his genuine love and appreciation for sports by personally congratulating Filipino athletes when he can or saluting their wins in his social media accounts.

“Hindi naman nangyayari ito na last week lang nagdecide, mananalo agad eh. Matagal na proseso ito at nandyan yung support group na tumutulong sa iyo,” said Marcos in his short speech during Obiena’s visit.

“To all of you who also had sacrifices for this success, the country thanks all of you.”

Eala, who was appointed as head of the government sports agency only last month, said that President Marcos is a true sportsman.

He said President Marcos showed his love for sports by giving clear instructions to the PSC to “help our athletes because what they do is important to our nation”.

“Thank you Mr. President,” Eala said in a short tweet just after the meeting.

Also present to receive Obiena were Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Presidential Management Staff Secretary Naida Angping.

Obiena was the latest in the growing list of Filipino athletes who paid a courtesy visit to President Marcos at Malacañang Palace.

Last July 20, the Philippine national women’s football team paid a courtesy visit to President Marcos.

The Filipinas were welcomed by the president following their historic win in the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship.

Boxer Dave Apolinario also paid a courtesy visit to President Marcos following his knockout win against Gideon Buthelezi for the IBO flyweight title last August.