The Philippines achieved its best finish ever in the ASEAN Para Games, reaching fourth place with 45 gold medals in Thailand. They surpassed their fifth place finish with 34 golds from Cambodia.
Best. Finish. Ever.
The Philippines clinched 45 gold medals, 37 silvers, and 52 bronze medals in the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Thailand, its best finish ever in the multi-sporting event.
The Filipinos were able to surpass their fifth place finish during the 2023 edition in Cambodia, where they had 34 gold medals, 33 silvers, and 50 bronzes.
"I'm definitely elated, I'm happy that our team has performed very well," Philippine Paralympic Committee President Michael Barredo told Cignal. "We have done our part by doing better than the previous [tournament]."
Para athletics delivered the most golds with 16, followed by para swimming with 13, and para chess with 12.
"I am very overwhelmed about the results. We expected good results, but this is overwhelming. From 10 golds to 16, talagang we thank the Lord God sa binigay niya sa amin," said para athletics head coach Joel Deriada.
He particularly lauded his coaches for staying together and sharing ideas, which led to athletes breaking Games Records.
Other sports also contributed: Marlyn Garrucho got one in women's individual sabre of para fencing, Lhey Marie Manginsay added another in women's singles TT9 para table tennis, and two for mixed doubles (Patrick Eusebio and Kim Ian Chi in TPB10+TPB10 as well as Francisco Ednaco and Jaime Manginga for TPB8+TPB8) in tenpin bowling.
The Philippines sent its biggest delegation yet, 323 strong including 212 athletes, to provide more international exposure.
"More sports have contributed to the gold medal tally," Barredo noted. "Have more participants, more events to participate in, and we'll be able to get more medals."
Darry Bernardo of para chess was the most successful Philippine athlete of this Para Games, getting golds in all six of his events. Paralympian Angel Otom also found success with five gold medals in para swimming.
"Talagang nag-adjust kami kasi yung level of competition, tumaas talaga," said head coach James Infiesto. "At the last day of competition, sabi ko let's enjoy and have fun."
Several athletes also set new Games Records, especially in para athletics and para swimming.
"That means we're really moving forward and doing well for our respective sports. I hope more of our para athletes do the same," Barredo added.
Several sports also made noteworthy achievements, such as the women's wheelchair basketball team getting a silver in 3x3 for their first-ever podium finish.
The same goes for the women's goalball team with a bronze.
"I can't see their smiles, but I can definitely feel their happiness," Barredo said.
(With reports from Denisse Valdesancho/Cignal)
Katrina Alba is a sports journalist and producer, notably with SportsCenter Philippines before taking on her current role at One Sports.
She primarily writes about basketball and volleyball, with experience covering the SEA Games, Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup.
Outside of work, her hobbies include running, swimming, pickleball, yoga, arnis, and krav maga.