Nangako si Filipino Olympian, pole vault world No. 3 EJ Obiena na ibibigay nito sa cancer victim na si Filipino track and field legend Lydia de Vega ang matatanggap na reward sa Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) na ₱250,000.
Sa kanyang Facebook post nitong Huwebes, pinasalamatan ni Obiena ang mga sumuporta sa kanya kasunod ng makasaysayang paghablot nito ng bronze medal sa World Athletics Championship at pinuri rin nito si De Vega.
“I am also here today because I am standing on the shoulders of giants. The legends of Philippines Athletics who paved a way for me. Who brought attention and success to athletics. I owe them a debt of gratitude,” pagpapakumbaba ni Obiena.
“I thank them for the route they have forged for us competing today. [Thirty-nine] years ago, was the first-ever World Championships in 1983. Our leading participant in those inaugural World Championships was the legendary Lydia De Vega,” pagpapatuloy nito.
Aniya, kailangan ni De Vega ang pera para sa medical expenses nito sa kanyang Stage 4 breast cancer.
Nakatakdang tumanggap si Obiena ng pabuya mula sa PSC bilang insentibo sa ibinigay na karangalan sa bansa.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of Ma’am Lydia’s health issues, and the pleas of her family for financial assistance for the mounting medical bills. I have met Ma’am Lydia in Singapore on many occasions, and she has always been [a] kind, supportive and loving individual,” ani Obiena.
Sinabi pa ni Obiena na bukod sa kanya, magbibigay din ng kaparehong halaga ang kanyang advisor at nutritionist na sina James at Carol Lafferty.
“We hope this makes a difference and gives Ma’am Lydia added strength to battle this horrible disease. God bless you and give you strength Mam Lydia,” ayon pa sa social media post ni Obiena.
Matatandaang iniutos ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. sa PSC na bigyan ng financial support si De Vega kasunod na rin ng panawagan ng pamilya nito.
