Bong Go files Senate resolutions honoring Eala, Obiena, Yulo

Carlos Yulo, EJ Obiena, Alex Eala

Carlos Yulo, EJ Obiena, Alex Eala
Christopher "Bong" Go has filed separate Senate resolutions commending Filipino athletes Alexandra Eala, Ernest John Obiena and Carlos Yulo for their recent international achievements, while renewing his call for stronger grassroots sports development.
Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Sports, said the accomplishments of the three athletes demonstrate the depth of Filipino talent in tennis, athletics and gymnastics.
"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.
The senator's resolution for Eala recognized 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 fourth round of the tournament.
Eala opened her campaign with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Renata Zarazúa before upsetting defending champion and world No. 3 Iga Świątek, 7-6(9), 6-2, to advance to the Round of 16. Her run ended after a three-set loss to Jasmine Paolini.
"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.
Go also filed a resolution honoring Obiena for winning back-to-back gold medals during the 2026 outdoor athletics season.
Obiena claimed gold at the Czeslaw Cybulski Memorial in Poznan, Poland after clearing 5.72 meters before winning another title at the Raiffeisen Austrian meet in Eisenstadt, Austria with a meet-record clearance of 5.75 meters.
"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," Go said.
The senator likewise recognized Yulo for capturing 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 with a score of 14.700.
"Si Carlos Yulo ay patuloy na nagbibigay-inspirasyon sa ating mga atleta. Ang kanyang tagumpay ay bunga ng sipag, tiyaga, at disiplina. Sana mas marami pang kabataan ang mahikayat na pumasok sa sports at lumayo sa bisyo," Go said.
The three resolutions cited Article XIV, Section 19 of the 1987 Constitution, which mandates the State to promote physical education and encourage sports programs and amateur competitions.
Go said the achievements of Eala, Obiena and Yulo should encourage national and local officials to strengthen grassroots sports programs, expand access to training and support young athletes before they reach the international stage.
"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 is not only about winning medals but also about promoting health, discipline and opportunities for the country's youth.
"Ang sports ay hindi lang tungkol sa medalya. Para sa kabataan, ito ay kalusugan, disiplina, pangarap, at magandang kinabukasan. Kaya patuloy nating suportahan ang ating mga atleta at ang susunod pang henerasyon ng manlalarong Pilipino," Go said.