By DIANN IVY CALUCIN
Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan said on Monday, Oct. 3, that the city government has issued four city resolutions acknowledging the feats and honor given to the country by the World's No. 3 Pole Vaulter Ernest John "EJ" Obiena and gave him P300,000 to help him in his future competitions during turnover rites held at the Bulwagang Villegas, Manila City Hall on Monday, Oct. 3.
"Bilang kaunting tulong, ang city government of Manila ay naghahandog ng P300,000 sa inyo EJ Obiena para sa inyong susunod na mga laban (As a little help, the city government of Manila is giving P300,000 to you EJ Obiena for your next fights)," Mayor Lacuna said during the city's flag raising ceremony.
"Hindi natin masukat ang karangalan na dinala ni EJ sa ating bansa, lalong lalo na sa lungsod ng Maynila (The honor that EJ brought to our country, especially to the city of Manila is immeasurable)," she added.
The city government also issued four resolutions acknowledging Obiena's invaluable honor to the country as well as to the city's field of sports.
The resolutions recognized the awards received by EJ Obiena in the 31st Southeast Asian 2022 men’s pole vault, 2021 Golden Roof Challenge, 2022 World Athletics Championship, and 2022 Gala dei Castelli.
Obiena was also named Outstanding Manilan in the Field of Sports during the awarding ceremony last June, which his parents attended on his behalf as he was in Formia, Italy for his training.
Obiena was the first Filipino to win an Athletics World Medal.
He took home several medals, such as the bronze medal last July when he set a New National and Asian Record after crossing the 5.94-meter mark in the Men’s Pole Vault at the 2022 World Athletics Championship.