President Marcos congratulates Obiena for winning Asiad gold

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos congratulated Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena yesterday for bagging the country’s first gold medal in the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

“Congratulations, EJ, on clinching our first gold in men’s pole vault at the 19th Asian Games,” Marcos said in a post on X.

The 27-year-old Obiena is currently World No. 2 in men’s pole vault.

The President also congratulated other athletes including Patrick King Perez, Jones Inso, Gideon Padua, Clemente Tabugara Jr., Alex Eala and Francis Casey Alcantara “for their outstanding performances” in taekwondo, wushu and tennis.

“Best of luck to all our athletes competing ahead,” Marcos said.

To show his appreciation to Filipino medalists in the Southeast Asian Games in May and ASEAN Para Games in June, which were both held in Cambodia, Marcos doubled the incentives they received in August.

The Chief Executive has lamented the inadequate support being extended by the government to Filipino athletes competing abroad and bringing honor to the country.

Under Republic Act 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, a gold medalist who wins in SEA Games individual games category will receive P300,000; silver medalist, P150,000; and bronze medalist, P60,000.

On the other hand, P150,000 will be given to a gold medalist in the 12th ASEAN Para Games, P75,000 for silver medalist and P30,000 for bronze medalist.