EJ OBIENA is thankful to Chiang Kai Shek College for its support during the most trying times of his career as his alma mater also vowed to support the Filipino pole vaulter until the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Obiena paid a visit to his elementary and high school alma mater, which paid tribute to its illustrious product for his accomplishment this year that includes a bronze medal at the World Athletics Championship.
Obiena thanked the school and its management for the financial support they provided while he was embroiled in a controversy with the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa).
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During the rift, Obiena was dropped from the national team, and as a result, didn't receive his monthly allowances and benefits from the Philippine Sports Commission.
The Filipino pole vaulter said he is grateful for the support by a school more known for its basketball teams than its athletics program.
Incidentally, the basketball committee spearheaded by Eduard Tio of Freego and Edster Sy were some of the sectors at CKSC that answered the call for help.
“I never expected that the school would go out of its way and actually help me,” said Obiena. “I never thought that because I always knew that Chiang Kai Shek was always a basketball school. And I never thought you guys really made my heart.”
“One of the reasons why I had a successful season was I got you guys and you made me feel special,” Obiena said.
Obiena admitted he was surprised that CKSC was able to obtain funds from the school community and the alumni.

“Very unexpected but they definitely reached out and my mom also had something to do with that,” said Obiena, whose mother Jeanette is also a coach at CKSC. “They just blew my mind.
"I was basically good for the next six to seven months, that is why I was able to continue my training. It’s not a secret I wasn’t able to receive funding from the Philippine government since January and really the biggest chunk of my expenses were shouldered by [CKSC].”
CKSC alumni association president Benjamin Tan said the school will continue to support Obiena, who was also given a gift during the ceremony on Wednesday at the school’s newly-renovated auditorium.
“On behalf of the board of trustees of the school, we reiterate the full support of the board and the school for you in your future participation and training in international competitions leading to the Paris Olympics in 2024,” said Tan.
CKSC president Jude Yap said he is glad with the response of the community.
“Honestly, when we were talking with EJ when he was having his issues, we were talking to Sir Eduard. Personally, I wasn’t very optimistic because it was trying times as far as the Philippines is concerned.
"But the support we got from the board, from the alumni, everyone who helped him, his classmates, it was overwhelming actually,” said Yap.
Obiena said he will forever consider CKSC as his home.
“It’s not a secret. I grew up here way, way back. Our house was actually at R. Papa. I used to ride a jeep to go to school. That was a good 10 years of my life… This place guided me,” said Obiena.
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