Senate fetes SEAG hero

He was already leading at that time when they held it.

The Senate formally adopted Senate Resolution 230 that honors the Filipino surfer who sacrificed his quest for a golden finish just to save the life of his rival in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

The resolution was filed by Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and was consolidated with Senate Resolution 258 filed by Senator Nancy Binay, which honors Filipino surfer Roger Casugay who saved his Indonesian rival, Arip Nurhidayat, in the longboard competition last week.

“That moment was the epitome of the official slogan of the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Roger Casugay showed to us what ‘We Win as One’ truly means,” said Go, the chairman of Senate Committee on Sports.

“The Filipino people beamed with pride for his selfless act, which exemplified the Filipino value of Bayanihan.”

In his resolution, Go underscored that Casugay showed exemplary act by proving that there is more to life than winning a gold medal.

“Casugay’s quick response in the face of danger should be commended and honored for he has shown greatness, not by reaping off medals, but by displaying acts of heroism and courage. This clearly shows that humanity transcends way beyond any form of commendation, distinction, and medal,” Go said.

On the same note, Go also acknowledged Nilbie Blancada, Rogelio Esquivel, Jevy Mae Agudo, John Mark Tokong, Daisy Valdez, Edito Alcala, and Ian Saguan, who brought pride to the country.

United Philippine Surfers Association George Canlas said Casugay’s decision to save his foe from getting drowned jeopardized the competition as the Filipino was already but lost his momentum.

“I have to clarify his event was stopped so in a way, it did jeopardize having gold in a way. But they continued it two days after and he was able to enter the semifinals,” Canlas said in a chance interview.

“He was already leading at that time when they held it, and then they continued it after, so there was a possibility that his opponent could catch up.”

Casugay said he is not yet used to the attention he is getting.