By Kristel Satumbaga
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association (PATAFA) are appealing for a visa extension for Olympian pole vaulter EJ Obiena who is currently training in Formia, Italy.
PSC Executive Director Atty Guillermo Iroy Jr said the sports agency, through the National Sports Association Affairs Office, has been coordinating with PATAFA and Obiena’s parents regarding the issue.
“We will make an appeal to the Embassy of Italy kung ano ang pwedeng gawin kasi immigration policy yan just like Philippines with our foreign coaches,” Iroy told Manila Bulletin.
PATAFA chief Philip Juico, meanwhile, said he is also talking with the Philippine ambassador in Italy on how to help Obiena.
Obiena has been training extensively at a facility in Formia under Ukrainian coach Vitaly Petrov to prepare for next year’s Tokyo Olympics, but the 24-year-old PH bet said his visa has expired during the pandemic.
“I am actually banking on the extension that the Italian government gave me because it (visa) has expired,” he said.
“It’s a bit confusing because they say I only have until August and I’m waiting for some paperwork that says it’s until December. But I would still need a new one nonetheless.”
A common practice for athletes with expiring visas is to come back to the Philippines to reapply for a new one then return to the country they have been training.
But Iroy hopes Obiena will get a reprieve especially with the current pandemic situation.
“Sana hindi na siya pabalikin (for a new visa), pero tingnan natin how diplomatic channel can help,” Iroy said.
Obiena is the country’s first Olympic qualifier to Tokyo. Other Olympians are gymnast Carlos Yulo, who has been training in Japan, and boxers Eumir Marcial and Irish Magno, who are training locally.
He has so far competed in three tournaments this month with podium finishes.
