Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has filed separate Senate resolutions commending Filipino athletes Alexandra “Alex” Eala, Ernest John “EJ” Obiena, and Carlos Yulo for their recent achievements in international sports competitions.
Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Sports, said the accomplishments of the three athletes highlight the potential of Filipino talent in tennis, athletics, and gymnastics while strengthening calls for continued support for grassroots sports development.
“Malaking karangalan po para sa ating bansa ang ipinakita nina Alex Eala, EJ Obiena, at Carlos Yulo. Ipinakita nila na kayang makipagsabayan ng atletang Pilipino sa pinakamataas na antas kung may disiplina, tiyaga, at tamang suporta,” Go said.
One of the resolutions recognized Eala for her historic campaign at the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, where she became the first Filipina to win a women’s singles main-draw match and the first Filipino in the Open Era to reach the tournament’s fourth round.
Eala opened her Wimbledon campaign with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Mexican player Renata Zarazúa before defeating defending champion and World No. 3 Iga Świątek, 7-6(9), 6-2, to advance to the Round of 16.
Her run ended after she lost to 13th seed and 2024 Wimbledon runner-up Jasmine Paolini, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, but Go said her performance remained a milestone for Philippine tennis.
“Nakaka-proud si Alex Eala. Ang kanyang tagumpay ay inspirasyon sa maraming kabataang Pilipino. Kahit natapos na ang kanyang Wimbledon run, ipinakita niya na kaya ng Pilipino makipagsabayan sa pinakamataas na antas,” Go said.
The senator also filed a resolution honoring Obiena after the pole vaulter won back-to-back gold medals during the 2026 outdoor athletics season.
Obiena captured his first outdoor gold medal of the season at the Czeslaw Cybulski Memorial in Poznan, Poland, after clearing 5.72 meters. He followed this with another gold medal at the Raiffeisen Austrian in Eisenstadt, Austria, where he set a new meet record after clearing 5.75 meters.
Go said Obiena’s achievements demonstrate the importance of sustained athlete development and proper support systems.
“Patuloy na nagbibigay ng karangalan si EJ Obiena sa Pilipinas. Ang kanyang tagumpay ay patunay na kapag nabigyan ng suporta at maayos na paghahanda ang ating atleta, kaya nilang lumaban sa pinakamalalakas sa buong mundo,” he said.
Meanwhile, Go recognized Yulo for winning the gold medal in the men’s floor exercise at the 2026 Asian Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Zunyi, China.
Yulo won the event on June 20 after earning 14.700 points for his routine, adding another international title to his record.
“Si Carlos Yulo ay patuloy na nagbibigay-inspirasyon sa ating mga atleta. Ang kanyang tagumpay ay bunga ng sipag, tiyaga, at disiplina,” Go said.
The resolutions cited Article XIV, Section 19 of the 1987 Constitution, which directs the State to promote physical education and support sports programs, competitions, and training for international events.
Go said the achievements of Eala, Obiena, and Yulo should encourage government and sports stakeholders to strengthen grassroots programs and provide young athletes with better access to training and opportunities.
“Kaya nating maging sports powerhouse kung palalakasin natin ang grassroots sports. Hindi dapat hintayin na sumikat muna ang atleta bago suportahan. Dapat mula sa paaralan at komunidad pa lang, may programa na para matulungan ang ating mga kabataan,” he said.
He added that sports development goes beyond winning medals, saying it also promotes discipline, health, and opportunities for young Filipinos.
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