MANILA, Philippines — The Senate has adopted a resolution commending Filipino surfer Roger Casugay, who saved Indonesian competitor Arip Nurhidayat from being hit with big waves at the height of the men’s longboard surfing competition of the 30th Southeast Asian Games at Mona Lisa point in San Juan, La Union last Friday.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Senate Resolution 230 commending Casugay for his heroism during the 30th SEA Games has been adopted.
Sen. Christopher Bong Go said Casugay set aside the possibility of ruling the semis and chose to save Nurhidayat, an epitome of the SEA Games’ official slogan “We Win As One.”
“An athlete’s ultimate goal is to bag gold medals. But on Dec. 6, 2019 at the height of the men’s longboard surfing competition of the 30th Southeast Asian Games at Mona Lisa point in San Juan, La Union, a Filipino surfer named Roger Casugay set aside the goal. Casugay chose instead to help Arip Nurhidayat, (the) Indonesian competitor, (who) was being hit by big waves, after his leash snapped,” said Go in his sponsorship speech.
Go said the Indonesian was separated from his surfboard. Casugay helped him climb up his board and together they rode to the safety of the shore and the applause of onlookers.
“That moment is the epitome of the official slogan of the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Roger Casugay showed us what ‘We Win As One’ truly means. The Filipino people beams with pride for his selfless act, which exemplified the Filipino value of bayanihan,” he noted.
Sen. Nancy Binay said Casugay, the true hero of the 30th SEA Games, showed the true spirit of sportsmanship and make every Filipino very proud.
“We could be proud to carry the Philippine flag during the closing ceremony on Wednesday,” Binay added.