Filipino Olympic pole vaulter Ernest “EJ” Obiena is set to inaugurate his first pole vaulting facility at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Sports Stadium in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on Nov. 22.

Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc on Tuesday expressed his gratitude to Obiena for partnering with the provincial government to promote and discover new athletes in pole vaulting at the grassroots level.

“It’s been an honor to talk to an absolute giant in Philippine sports and someone truly worth emulating. We’re so thankful to be your first venue, EJ, and we are hopeful about this newfound partnership,” Manotoc said in his Facebook post.

In an earlier statement, Obiena said the Laoag facility aims to inspire new talents and help elevate Filipino pole vaulting on the global stage.

“To be honest, I have an even bigger dream in vaulting than medals. I believe this is an Olympic sport Filipinos can excel in. We can be globally competitive year after year,” he said, underscoring the need to provide local athletes access to resources and training.

Helen Domingo, Ilocos Norte provincial sports development officer, said the province was chosen as the location for the country’s first pole vaulting facility because of its world-class sports stadium that meets international standards.

“The use of the facility will be free for athletes under the INSPIRE program of our provincial sports office,” she said.

She said a ribbon cutting ceremony of pole vault pit and pole vault equipment is set for Nov. 22 at 4 p.m. The pit and equipment will be donated by Obiena himself.

As agreed upon, the provincial government will also help identify 10-20 pole vaulters with potential and interested coaches.

In 2023, the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) extended a PHP100 million grant for the construction of the Ilocos Norte Sports Institute and Research (INSPIRE) building, which is now being constructed near the stadium and is expected to be completed by 2025.

Aside from the PAGCOR funds, the Ilocos Norte government also sought the help of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Office of the President for the grant of additional funding for the operation of the sports program to help home-grown athletes excel in various sports events in the future.

Through the INSPIRE, the Ilokano youth shall have an enhanced secondary education program with a curriculum specially designed for student-athletes. (PNA)