Concerned individuals here and abroad are pitching in to help world No. 6 pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena get over his financial woes while training and competing abroad.
Retired Filipino pole vaulters in the United States and members of the Ateneo alumni are among those, who have been getting in touch with the 26-year-old Obiena and his backers, according to reports on social media.
Donations to help Obiena get by are being sent to him by numerous individuals via Paypal.
Obiena, who is now recovering from surgery in Germany after getting treatment for a minor knee injury, is getting sympathy from fans and track enthusiasts.
Private funds are pouring in after Obiena’s numerous followers learned that he has been struggling with his finances since August last year.
Because of his liquidation problems, funding for Obiena has been stopped.
But for humanitarian reasons, an undisclosed amount of money has been prepared by the Philippine Sports Commission for his minor knee injury.