Resolutions have been filed both in the Senate and the House of Representatives congratulating Filipino golf star Yuka Saso for winning the 76th US Women’s Open.

In the upper house, Senate President Vicente Sotto III filed Proposed Senate Resolution No. 743 to “congratulate and commend” the 19-year-old Saso for her historic victory. 

“Congratulations for bringing an unexpected victory for our people! Our hearts beam with pride and joy with this milestone in Philippine sports. We are extremely proud of your achievement,” Sotto said in a statement on Tuesday, June 8. 

In the House, a similar resolution was filed by Senior Citizens Representative Rodolfo Ordanes, saying Saso’s win will inspire more Filipinos to pursue golf as a sport or hobby.

“Saso’s win will be forever etched in our sports record books as being the first Filipino to win a major gold tournament,” said Ordanes.

Saso became the first golfer from the Philippines to capture the 76th US Women’s Open championship at the Olympic Club in San Francisco on Sunday, June 6 (Monday, June 7, Manila time). Saso also tied with Inbee Park in being the youngest to win the coveted title, as both were 19 years, 11 months and 17 days old at the time of their victory.

With her win, Saso also nailed a career No. 9 rank in the women’s world golf rankings. 

Other Filipino legislators congratulated Saso for her feat. Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said her triumph is a “blast of fresh air” as the country continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic. 

“When we are assaulted daily by the high tally of COVID cases, here comes the low winning score of Yuka Saso like a blast of fresh air. She inspires us that despite the handicaps and the hazards we face as a people, we too, can stage a comeback,” said Recto.

Senator Joel Villanueva also heaped praises on Saso, a fellow Bulaqueña.

“The victory of this Pinay millennial, who hails from San Ildefonso, Bulacan, is the good news we need today. That she did through a combination of mental toughness and physical stamina should inspire us that we too can overcome the challenges that face us today,” said Villanueva.

Aside from taking home the trophy in the biggest tournament in women’s golf, Saso also bagged the $1-million prize and tournament exemptions in the next few years.

The Bulacan native will continue joining tournaments this season before the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she is slated to compete for the Philippines. – with reports from Beatrice Go/Rappler.com