I was watching with excitement the contested moment of extra time in the championship FIFA final between Argentina and Spain when Williams Jr. of Spain (No. 17) headed the ball back to Ferran Torres (No. 7) who kicked it into the goal —making Spain the instant World Cup champion!
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s (PBBM) genuine embrace of Alex Eala’s achievements resonates with the sports-loving Filipinos. Highlighting homegrown talent who perform on the global stage generally boosts national morale, and aligning the presidency with this positivity often yields a favorable perception of leadership.
The President’s public backing and celebration of tennis star Eala is a significant and important signal of state support for Filipino athletes, elevating sports as a tool for national pride, character-building and youth health.
During his fifth State of the Nation Address on 27 July 2026, President Marcos’s highlighting of Alex Eala while discussing government support for the tennis star would encourage more Filipinos to take up active lifestyles.
Key Statements on Alex Eala and Sports
1. Increased Funding: Stated that the administration has tripled financial support for Philippine sports, noting that it is vital for both entertainment and health.
2. Inspiring Youth: With our overflowing support for Alex Eala, I hope many are inspired to learn and play not just tennis, but other sports as well.
3. Connection to Wellness: Emphasized that promoting active participation in sports serves as a proactive measure to keep citizens healthy and out of hospitals.
Such is the joy you get when you love sports. And such is the glory when the President of the Philippines shares with every Filipino the joy of winning.
I give full credit for my embracing sports to my late mother who, at my early age of seven, used to take me and my sister to the playgrounds of Capiz High School, to every provincial and interscholastic sports meet to watch football and athletic competitions.
Status of Vince Dizon and the world-class sports facilities in New Clark City, Tarlac
After the dismissal by the Office of the Ombudsman of all criminal and administrative charges against Vince Dizon and his co-respondents on 6 December 2021, citing the lack of sufficient evidence, he continued to serve in high-profile government roles, eventually being appointed Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Whether Vince Dizon performed his job splendidly depends heavily on which metres are prioritized — his tenure as BCDA president and/or as chief implementation officer of the infrastructure program generated both high praise and criticism.
Arguments for a successful performance
Infrastructure Delivery: His supporters point to the rapid transformation of New Clark City, including the construction of the world-class sports facilities used for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
As reported by the Commission on Audit, the cost of the sports facilities constructed by MTD Berhad for the BCDA in New Clark City was P8.510 billion, not P11 billion.
Email: arturobesana2@gmail.com
