The House of Representatives has congratulated the decorated pole vault athlete EJ Obiena after it adopted a consolidation of several House resolutions (HR) that recognize his victories in international competitions.
The House, on Wednesday, Aug. 31, adopted HR 317, which cited the Filipino star for winning two gold medals at the 26th Internationales Stabhochsprung-Meeting in Jockgrim, Germany; and at the True Athletes Classics 2022 in Leverkusen, Germany in August 2022.
“Resolved by the House of Representatives, to congratulate Ernest John ‘EJ’ Uy Obiena for winning the gold medals in the 26th Internationales Stabhochsprung-Meeting held in Jockgrim, Germany and in the True Athletes Classics in Leverkusen, Germany. Resolved, further, that a copy of this Resolution be given to Ernest John 'EJ' Uy Obiena,” the resolution read.
“The exemplary performance of Ernest John ‘EJ’ Uy Obiena in pole vaulting deserves utmost commendation and distinction for the honor and glory he brought to the country,” it said.
The measure was authored by Speaker Rep. Martin Romualdez, Majority Floor Leader Rep. Mannix Dalipe, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Sandro Marcos, Minority Floor Leader Marcelino Libanan, and Tingog Party-list Representatives Yedda Romualdez and Jude Acidre.
“With his string of accomplishments, EJ’s feat is one of the greatest in Philippine athletics’ history, and underscored the kind of dizzying heights the country has achieved in pole vaulting...He is set to compete again in various events, and with his hard work and determination to be the best male pole vaulter, success is within his reach,” the resolution continued.
The resolution recognizing Obiena’s feats was adopted in consolidation with eight other HRs, namely: No.103 (authored by PBA Rep. Migs Nograles, Pinuno Rep. Ivan Guintu); No.105 (Isabela 5th district Rep. Faustino Michael Dy); No.123 (Ang Probinsyano Rep. Alfred Delos Santos); No.131 (Manila 5th district Rep. Rolando Valeriano); No.138 (Dy); No.147 (Camarines Sur 2nd district Rep. LRay Villafuerte, CamSur 5th district Rep. Miguel Villafuerte, Camsur 1st district Rep. Tsuyoshi Horibata, and Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Nicolas Enciso); No.207 (Calamba lone district Rep. Charisse Hernandez); and No.246 (Cavite 8th district Rep. Aniela Tolentino).
On top of his victory in Germany, Obiena's bronze medal win at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States last July was also cited by the lower chamber.
As per the World Athletics pole vault rankings, Obiena ranks third overall in the sport worldwide. He is the top pole vaulter in Asia.