By NIKOLE JAVIER
Ernest John Obiena paid President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. a visit on Friday, Oct. 14, at the Malacañang Palace.
The world No. 3 pole vaulter, who is set to fly to Italy to jumpstart his campaign of earning a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics, made a quick pit stop at Malacañang to conclude a month-long break in the Philippines.
Obiena was welcomed by Marcos who wished the athlete the best of luck while also expressing gratitude to the star athlete for becoming an inspiration to the younger generation.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Noli Eala, who has doubled down on efforts to provide essential support for “high-performing” national athletes was also in attendance.
“President @bongbongmarcos is a true sportsman and supporter of sport. Warmly welcomed the @psc_gov and EJ Obiena. He gave very simple, clear instructions- lets help our athletes because what they do is important to our nation. Thank you Mr. President,” Eala wrote on his official Twitter page.
After a fruitful stint at the World Athletics Championships in the USA which saw him as the first Filipino to capture a bronze medal in the prestigious meet, Obiena kept himself primed in the competitions that followed.