World-class Filipino surfer Rogelio “Jay-R” Esquivel Jr. has again reaped kudos from Congress leaders as he bagged the gold medal in the World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series Padrol Longboard Classic held in Bali, Indonesia on June 3-4.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and his wife, Tingog Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, lauded Esquivel for this latest feat, saying the Filipino surfer “continues to bring the country pride and honor by winning in international surfing competitions.”
The couple extended to Esquivel financial assistance to help defray the costs of participating in international sporting events such as the WSL.
“Jay-R Esquivel continues to make our country proud by winning international competitions one after another. His contributions to putting the Philippines in the world surfing map is not only honoring our country, but encouraging tourists to visit our surfing spots,” Speaker Romualdez said.
By winning the qualifying series, Esquivel earned a ticket to the WSL World Longboard Tour and became the first-ever Filipino to do so.
Rep. Romualdez said just last February, they also personally congratulated Esquivel for winning the WSL La Union International Pro Longboard Qualifying Series.
“And now here we are again, in awe of Jay-R’s achievements in world surfing competitions, making history not only for himself but for the rest of the Filipino nation. Your accomplishments truly deserve praise and recognition,” the lady lawmaker said.
Esquivel was also part of the team that finished fourth at the International Surfing Association (ISA) World Longboard Championship in El Salvador last May, just behind world surfing leaders France, Brazil and Peru.
It was described as a “historic feat marking the Philippine Longboard Team’s debut in the world group competition.”
The two House leaders said that they will continue to support the sports of surfing in the country, as it encourages the youth to persevere and dream when someone like Esquivel wins international competitions.
“Jay-R deserves all the support and recognition he can get, after making history after history in the world stage of surfing. We hope his example is followed by the youth of today and one day reach for their dreams,” they said.
