President Marcos has pledged his full support for Filipino ace pole vaulter Ernest John "EJ" Obiena as he prepared for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Marcos said this as he received Obiena in a courtesy call in Malacañang on Friday, October 14.
In a statement, Malacañang said the President wished Obiena luck in the 2024 Summer Olympics and urged him to inform the government if he needed anything.
"We look forward to the Games in Paris. I hope you do well," Marcos told the Filipino Olympian.
"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 (so you can achieve better results and improve your training, everything, just tell me because what you're doing is important)," he added.
According to the Palace, Marcos "honored" Obiena for bringing glory to the country and making Filipinos proud.
"Kami’y nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng iyong ginawa, sa dangal na idinala mo sa ating bansa (We thank you for what you did and for bringing honor to our country)," Marcos told Obiena.
"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," he added.
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.