Manila 2nd district Rep. Rolando Valeriano congratulated pole vault phenom EJ Obiena for being the first Filipino athlete to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Valeriano is particularly proud of Obiena, being a “Tondo boy” who has transformed into the “country’s jewel” through sheer hard work.
“Congratulations to him for already he is trailblazing his legacy in Paris. His hard work paid off,” Valeriano said.
“You know when you see this man in person, you will sense his passion for his craft, thus, he is always on level high. His aura is one of a winner ever since I met him a few years back,” he said.
“I am deeply proud for he is another success story of Tondo. A Manileño in many sense because he was also a graduate in Manila, from UST (University of Sto. Tomas). I am not surprised at his resiliency being a Tondo boy,” noted the solon, who chairs the House Committee on Metro Manila Development.
According to Valeriano, the 27-year-old Obiena has become a “well-grown sportsman” based on the patience he has shown toward his critics in the past and how he has handled his adversaries.
“He is now our country’s jewel. Let us take good care of him. He deserves all the attention he is getting now that we hope will inspire our Filipino youths watching him anywhere in the world,” the ranking solon said.
As a parting shot, Valeriano said: “Bring home the bacon, EJ ! We, the Manileños, love you.”
