MANILA – The Philippines’ quest for its first-ever Winter Olympics medal received a significant boost following the enactment of a law granting citizenship to Russian figure skater Aleksandr Sergeyevich Korovin.

Republic Act No. 12115, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. last Dec. 20, granted Korovin Philippine citizenship with all the rights, privileges, prerogatives, duties and obligations attached to it under the Constitution and existing laws.

In a news release on Monday, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino described the law’s signing as a historic step for Philippine sports and reflects the country’s determination to excel beyond its tropical identity.

“Being a tropical country should not hinder the Philippines from dreaming of success at the Winter Olympics,” Tolentino said.

“Just as our athletes have brought honor to the nation in the Summer Olympics, we aim to make strides in winter sports,” he added.

Korovin, who partners with Filipina figure skater Isabella Gamez, has represented the Philippines in international competitions since 2022 under the Philippine Skating Union.

The duo made history as the first Southeast Asian pair to win a medal in an International Skating Union competition – a silver in France in 2022 – and to qualify for the World Figure Skating Championships in 2023 and 2024.

Their achievements also earned them a spot at the 2024 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating, further solidifying their place in Philippine sports history.

The pair now sets its sights on the Asian Winter Games in China in February and qualification for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

During the Senate deliberations, Korovin expressed his gratitude and commitment to inspiring young Filipino skaters, saying he now considers the Philippines his home. (PNA)