Speaker Martin G. Romualdez on Monday lauded Filipino ace surfer Rogelio “JayR” Esquivel, Jr. for bringing pride and honor to the country by winning the men’s longboard surfing competition at the World Surfing League La Union International Pro Longboard Qualifying Series.
Esquivel emerged as the champion in the event held in Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan, La Union in January this year after edging out Japanese rival Taka Inoue in the finals.
“With your victory, you have not only brought pride and honor to our country. Your remarkable feat has also shown that Filipinos can compete against the best in the world,” Romualdez told Esquivel, who paid him a courtesy call Monday afternoon.
“Your skills and talent have propelled you to the top, and your determination and perseverance have set an example for others to follow. Keep up the good work, and may you continue to ride the waves of success,” Romualdez added.
Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, who was also present during the courtesy call, also extended her congratulations to the Pinoy champion surfer.
Esquivel is set to compete again this year in two more surfing
competitions in Bali, Indonesia, and in South Korea in his bid to qualify for the WSL World Tour.
The Speaker assured Esquivel that all the House members are “very supportive of the sport,” noting that not only does it help encourage the youth to engage in sports and athletics but also gives the country positive exposure to athletes here and abroad.
Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson, who was among those who accompanied Esquivel, also noted that surfing is a major driver of the country’s tourism industry.
United Philippine Surfing Association Secretary General
Gino Canlas, and Quirino Rep. Midy Cua, also joined Esquivel in his courtesy call to the Speaker.
Following Esquivel’s victory, Singson and La Union Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega V filed House Resolution (HR) 714 congratulating him for winning the Men’s Longboard Competition in the WSL La Union lnternational Pro surfing.
The resolution noted that Esquivel is the first Filipino to win the WSL Men’s Longboard Surfing Competition.
“…Esquivel indubitably exhibited athletic excellence and exemplified outstanding sportsmanship in the aforementioned competition,” theresolution noted.
“…This achievement of Esquivel affords great pride and honor to the country as it strives to produce better surfers who will conquer the world’s biggest waves,” the resolution added.
Esquivel is among the country’s champion surfers and a 2019 Southeast Asian longboard silver medallist.
He is also a record holder in the Philippine Surfing Championship Tour (PCST) and the Renextop Asian Surfing Tour (RAST) since 2018.