The country’s hottest athlete — Alex Eala — was cited by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as he delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address on Monday at the Session Hall of the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

The Chief Executive opened his speech by highlighting key milestones in his intensified anti-corruption drive, before outlining the administration's progress in social services, transportation, agriculture, labor, energy, education, health and national security.

But the President took the opportunity to tip his hat to Eala, who perfectly personifies the Filipino dream — rising from a young girl hitting balls with her brother and grandfather to becoming the most decorated Filipino tennis player of all time.

“Sa nag-uumapaw nating suporta kay Alex Eala, sana ay marami ang ma-engganyo para matuto at maglaro hindi lamang ng tennis, kundi ng iba pang sports,” Marcos told the packed gallery, which included Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.

Marcos previously admitted that he is a big fan of the tennis star.

Just two weeks ago, Marcos opened the doors of Malacañang to Eala and her family following her historic run at the Wimbledon Championships. There, he spent time with the 21-year-old sensation before presenting her with a Presidential Citation for her heroic Grand Slam campaign, where she shocked former champion Iga Świątek in the Round of 32.

Eala wasn’t the only sports personality recognized during the speech.

The President also lauded the national women’s football team, which inspired the nation during its historic victory at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand in 2023.

The Filipinas sustained their dominance by booking a return ticket to the World Cup in Brazil, further inspiring young Filipinos to embrace football and sports in general.

“Sa halimbawa ng Filipinas women’s football team, sana ay mas sumikat pa ang football sa ating bansa at marami ang maglaro,” Marcos added.

“Balang araw, baka makasali na ang Pilipinas sa World Cup.”

Still, the highlight of the Chief Executive’s sports mention was his pledge of continued, robust government backing for local athletes.

Under the Marcos administration, the PSC has actively expanded grassroots participation.

Gregorio made the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and other government venues accessible to the public while raising the allowances and benefits of national athletes.

More than that, public funds have been funneled into rehabilitating key national sports infrastructure, constructing regional training hubs and rolling out the national sports tourism program — headed by Gregorio as chairman of the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee.

“Mahalaga ang sports at itinaas natin ng triple ang suporta dito,” Marcos emphasized.