President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. warmly received Filipino pole vaulting sensation Ernest John "EJ" Obiena during the latter's courtesy call at the President’s Hall, Malacañan Palaceon October 14, 2022.

The Chief Executive praised Obiena for bringing honor to the country.

"From your President and I think from the rest of the Philippines ay kami’y nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng iyong ginawa, sa dangal na idinala mo sa inyong bansa. I think that is the greatest tribute that you can give, the greatest service as you are an athlete now, that you can give to our country is to bring honor to the Philippines," he said.

He also encouraged Obiena to continue his goal of being the world's best pole vaulter.

"We look forward to the Games in Paris. I hope you do well. If there is anything we can do to help you na maging mas maganda ang inyong resulta at mas maganda ang maging training. Sabihin ninyo sa akin dahil napakahalaga ng iyong ginagawa," he added. 

Obiena is now ranked third in the world. (OP)