Filipino golfer Yuka Saso earned praises from senators Monday, June 7, after her historic win in the 76th US Women's Open.
Saso, 19 years old, is the first Filipino and the youngest ever to win the US Women’s Open golf championship held in San Franciso.
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said Saso's victory was "a blast of fresh air" for the Philippines amid the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).
"When we are assaulted daily by the high tally of COVID cases, here comes the low winning score of Yuka Saso like a blast of fresh air," Recto said in a statement.
"She inspires us that despite the handicaps and the hazards we face as a people, we too, can stage a comeback," he added.
Senator Joel Villanueva also congratulated his townmate.
"I congratulate my fellow Bulakenyo for winning the prestigious US Women's Open," he said of Saso, who hails from San Ildefonso, Bulacan.
"Binibining (Miss) Yuka Saso's feat is doubly impressive, as the first Filipino and the youngest ever to triumph in one of the world's toughest tournaments," Villanueva said.
He added: "The victory of this Pinay millennial...is the good news we need today. That she did through a combination of mental toughness and physical stamina should inspire us that we too can overcome the challenges that face us today."
Sens. Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara, Nancy Binay, Sherwin Gatchalian, Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao, and Francis Pangilinan also praised Saso on social media for making Filipinos proud.
"You have shown to the world the Filipino greatness as the world's youngest champion in the prestigious 2021 US Women's Open," Pacquiao said.
In a text message, Lacson wrote: "Proud to be Fiilipino!"