Press Release
May 18, 2006

GORDON FILES RESOLUTION COMMENDING PINOY
CONQUERORS OF MOUNT EVEREST

Senator Richard J. Gordon filed yesterday Senate Resolution No. 483 commending the members of the First Philippine Mount Everest Expedition (FPMEE) for scaling the world's tallest mountain, Mount Everest, "to prove the strength and determination of Filipinos."

"Whereas, through sheer perseverance and hard work, Heracleo Oracion, with the full support of the FPMEE, set the Philippine flag at the apex of the mountain, proving that with focus, hard work and fortitude, Filipinos can make a difference in the world," Gordon said in his resolution.

Gordon said Oracion and fellow climber Erwin Emata, with the support of other team members like Arturo T. Valdez, Ari Ben C. Sebastian, Fred B. Jamili, Regie Pablo, Florentino Jong Narciso, Karina Davondon, Juan Aonuevo, Levi Nahayangan, Larry Honoridez, Janet Belarmino, Ariel Ambayec, Noelle Wenceslao, Ted Guevarra, John Tronco and Choi Aquino, risked their lives to bring honor to the country.

The senator also cited other Filipino climbers like Romeo Garduce, Jon Villareal, Dale Abenojar for their parallel efforts to scale Mount Everest.

Gordon said the climbers should be feted by the Senate "for their contribution in the history of our country and to the pride of the Filipino people."

The climbers, who caused the setting of the Philippine flag at the apex of the mountain, worked hard in conditioning themselves for the climb, Gordon said.

"Mount Everest, as the world's tallest mountain, at an altitude that makes it nearly impossible to breathe, buffeted by winds, plagued by fickle weather and covered in snow and ice, represents the greatest challenge and the pinnacle of any mountaineer's career, having claimed the lives of numerous other climbers from around the world," Gordon's resolution said.

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