(PNA photo by Joey Razon) MANILA - The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has given financial assistance to the family of track and field champion Lydia de Vega-Mercado, who was once labeled as Asia's fastest woman. PCSO Chairperson Junie Cua and general manager Melquiades Robles personally gave the check worth PHP500,000 to the athlete's daughter Stephanie Mercado de Koenigswarter in a ceremony at the agency's main office in Mandaluyong City on Tuesday. De Vega-Mercado is currently confined at the Makati Medical Center and is in critical condition due to Stage 4 breast cancer. The athlete's daughter thanked the PCSO for its support to their family, as they face what she called their "biggest race" so far. She also appealed for prayers and continued support for her mother. For his part, Robles also called on the public to also help the family of the athlete. "We are giving but definitely it's a far cry from what they need. We're also app
Pole vault star EJ Obiena (File photo) MANILA - A lawmaker on Sunday filed a resolution commending pole vaulter Ernest John "EJ" Obiena for his historic bronze medal finish in the 2022 World Athletics Championships and for climbing to No. 3 in the world rankings. In the resolution, Manila District Rep. Rolando Valeriano said Obiena brought honor and glory to the country by winning a medal in the "most prestigious and competitive" global competition held in the United of States on July 24. Obiena cleared the 5.94 meters in the finals of the pole event in the men's division of the 2022 World Athletics Championships, breaking the Asian record of 5.93 meters that he set during the 17th Golden Roof Challenge in Innsbruck, Austria last September 2021. Valeriano said Obiena has risen to No. 3 in the latest world rankings for men's pole vault due to this "outstanding feat". "EJ once said that he hoped to inspire his fellow youths of Tondo, where he is
Filipino pole vault star EJ Obiena (File photo) MANILA - EJ Obiena soared to his highest world ranking yet after delivering the Philippines its first medal in the World Athletic Championships. Obiena announced on Thursday night that he is now ranked third in the world in men's pole vault after capturing the bronze in the said meet that took place in Eugene, Oregon. The 26-year-old has a total of 1,408 points as of Tuesday. American Chris Nilsen, who barely beat Obiena for the silver through the countback tiebreaker, is No. 2, but he is not that far above Obiena with 1,435 points. Sweden's Mondo Duplantis remains world No. 1 with 1,612 points. "The success in the recent World Championships is not all mine. I owe a debt of gratitude to many, including my parents, my coach and support team, and amazing supporters in our government such as POC (Philippine Olympic Committee) President Bambol Tolentino, new PATAFA (Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association) President Terr
The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) is lending a helping hand to track legend Lydia de Vega-Mercado, who is in critical condition following Stage 4 breast cancer complications.
Lydia de Vega-Mercado
POC President Bambol Tolentino said he will donate P100,000 financial assistance to de Ve
The family of Lydia de Vega-Mercado is requesting for prayers for the track legend, who is in critical condition due to complications caused by her Stage 4 breast cancer condition.