Richard and Juliana Gomez see bright future for fencing in PH

ORMOC CITY: Amid the challenges of the Covid pandemic, Leyte 4th District Representative Richard Gomez realized a longtime dream of establishing a state-of-the-art fencing hall in Ormoc City. The decision came after fencing training facilities in Manila shut down, prompting him to bring the sport closer to home.

While eagerly anticipating her graduation from UP in March 2024, Juliana Gomez continues her crucial fencing training sessions as she gears up for an upcoming competition in Malaysia.

“I didn't want the training put on halt. When I was Mayor during the pandemic, I chose the activities that can go on in Ormoc without compromising people's health and safety. Running was good, golf was good, and fencing was good too,” the actor-politician and former fencing representative of the Philippines to the Southeast Asian Games said in an exclusive interview over the concluded annual Piña Festival.

As fate would have it, his daughter, Juliana, a former UP college volleyball team member, returned to fencing during the pandemic, thanks to his prodding.

“When she came home, there was no volleyball allowed. So, I told her, 'Go back to fencing.' And when she did, it was at the same time the national fencing team arrived in Ormoc to continue training,” Gomez recalled.

With the congressman's help, the team started developing local players from the city, who, in turn, learned fast and became members of the national team.

Gomez beamed with pride as he talked about these excellent fencers that their relentless training had produced. Forming a formidable national team from Ormoc, they won big at the recent SEA Games and other international competitions.

“I believe, with a good program, we can make it happen. But you have to build a 'home,' first of all, that is conducive for athletes' development,” Gomez said from experience.

Leyte 4th District Representative Richard Gomez, his wife, Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez and Senator Bong Go led the official opening of Philippine Modern Pentathlon Association which includes a state-of-the-art fencing hall.

The home he built over the pandemic is now called the Philippine Modern Pentathlon Association. Funded with the help of Sen. Bong Go and his wife Lucy, who is Ormoc's incumbent mayor, the space now offers top-notch training facilities for various sports, including fencing and shooting, with plans for an obstacle course in the works.

The Modern Pentathlon Association's official inauguration was held on June 16, with Go as the guest of honor.

Gomez has long aspired to foster a sports-minded community in Ormoc, believing in the city's potential to excel in various sports. Of course, his best example is Juliana, who has already won the gold medal for fencing at the last UAAP Games since switching sports.

Juliana's dedication to training evidently bore fruit, and she couldn't disagree when her father told her, “Juliana, had you not trained in fencing, you wouldn't have won the gold. But see, you're a medalist now and a sole winner.”

Currently, Juliana has submitted to more rigorous training as preparation for several competitions, including one in Malaysia, the next UAAP championship where she needs to defend her title and qualify for the Philippine National Fencing Team.

Making time to speak to visiting media at some point that weekend, Juliana addressed the issue often associated with pursuing fencing. “I think, all sports will cost money if you want to take it far, like train abroad or get a foreign coach. But if only to start fencing and excel here in the Philippines, it won't take a lot. As long as your school supports you, your parents support you, and your friends and family respect your training hours, you can do it.”

With an optimistic outlook like her father, Juliana expressed belief in the future of fencing in the country, saying, “Aside from my personal dreams with fencing, I think the future of the sport in the Philippines is very bright because I've seen a lot of kids becoming passionate about it especially when they have good role models to look up to.

“Fencing does a lot for an athlete like me, and as one of the older ones in the sport today, it's important to strive and become a good role model because you will definitely keep the kids going. You need to inspire and push them to become better, because they're the next in line, right?”

While eagerly anticipating her graduation from UP in March 2024, Juliana continues her crucial training sessions, all while maintaining her dedication to her ongoing studies.

“I really want see what it is that I can do best. I always want to challenge myself. But apart from fencing, studies will always be part of my priorities, so I plan to take up a Master in Public Administration as soon as I finish college next year,” the chip off the old block concluded with determination shining through.