BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez yesterday filed House Resolution No. 372, which honors tennis prodigy Alex Eala, the first Filipino to win a junior Grand Slam singles title.
Benitez, in his resolution, sought the conferment of the Congressional Medal of Distinction to Eala, whose father, Mike, traces his family roots in Victorias City, Negros Occidental.
Eala, 17, won the 2022 United States Open Tennis Championships (Girls Singles event) by defeating higher ranked tennis player Lucie Havlickova of the Czech Republic.
Benitez cited Eala’s success, as a source of pride and inspiration for the Filipino people.
“Alex’s phenomenal performance and historic victory at the US Open brings great honor and joy to our country, and serves as beacon of hope and inspiration for Filipino athletes and the youth,” he stressed.
“The Filipino youth should emulate Alex’s determination, diligence, discipline and dedication. With these qualities, nothing is impossible,” Benitez also said.
Many athletes who were born, and grew up in Negros Occidental, or have family roots in the province, have gained recognition in international sports competitions, such as brothers Roel and Onyok Velasco who won bronze and silver medals in boxing at the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games, respectively.
Early in the 19th Congress, Benitez filed House Bill No. 75 that will establish the Negros Occidental High School for Sports to be located in E.B. Magalona.
In a statement, Benitez said the school, which will be part of the National Academy of Sports System, will cultivate the skills of young Negrense athletes throughout the province.*
