The House of Representatives has adopted a resolution commending and congratulating world-ranked Filipino pole vault phenom Ernest John “Ej” Uy Obiena for his latest conquests in the sport.
Adopted via simple voice vote during plenary session Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 14 was House Resolution (HR) No. 765. Deputy Speaker and Davao City 3rd district Rep. Isidro Ungab presided over the session and declared the measure's adoption.
The celebrated Obiena, 27, recently won two gold medals and a bronze medal during three world events.
“What EJ Obiena has achieved has once again brought honor to the Philippines in the world stage. His accomplishments deserve our highest honors and recognition,” said Romualdez of Leyte’s 1st district, one of the resolution's authors.
Last Jan. 29, Obiena won his first gold medal for the year in the Perche En Or competition in Roubaix, France after clearing a season-best 5.82 meters in his first attempt to dominate the 12-player field. China’s Yao Jie placed second and France’s Ethan Cormont won third place.
Five days later, on Feb. 3, Obiena won the bronze medal by clearing another season-best 5.91 meters, which matched his Philippine indoor record, just behind world record holder Mondo Duplantis of Sweden. Duplantis won the gold while KC Lightfoot of the United States (US) won the silver.
A week after earning his gold medal in France, Obiena would bag another gold medal on Feb. 5 in the Orlen Cup held in Lodz, Poland after hurling a 5.77-meter bar. He has bested former world champion Sam Kendricks of the US, Piotr Lisek of Poland, and Claudio Michel Stecchi of Italy.
The resolution noted Obiena’s excellent record as an athlete, mentioning his medals in pole vaulting events such as the Asian Athletics Championships during the 23rd Biennial Meet in Doha, Qatar; the 22nd World Athletics Championships held in Oregon, USA on July 24, 2022; his gold medal in the 26th Internationales Stabhocsprung-Meet in Jockgrim, Germany on August 23, 2022; and many more.
“A deserving athlete, EJ Obiena holds the distinction of being the first Filipino to be given a scholarship by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF),” the resolution read.
“Dominating the international competitions in the field of pole vaulting, Ernest John 'EJ' Uy Obiena deserves utmost distinction and commendation for continuously bringing honor and glory to the Philippines and unselfishly inspiring Filipino athletes to work hard and aim high - to be the best in their chosen field of sport,” it added.
Romualdez, Majority Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd Mannix Dalipe, Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan, Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos, and Tingog Party-list Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez and Jude Acidre introduced the resolution.