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Tag: ASEAN Para Games 2026

  • Philippine Sports Commission awards ₱11.2M in incentives to 2026 ASEAN Para Games medalists 

    Philippine Sports Commission awards ₱11.2M in incentives to 2026 ASEAN Para Games medalists 

    The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) paid tribute to the country’s para athletes on Tuesday, April 28, honoring their outstanding achievements at the 2026 ASEAN Para Games held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. The recognition ceremony celebrated not only medal-winning performances but also the resilience and dedication of Filipino athletes who continue to elevate the nation’s standing in international para sports.

     

    Led by PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio and Senator Christopher Lawrence Bong Go, the commission distributed a total of ₱11.2 million in incentives and cash rewards to 96 athletes and 52 coaches. The financial recognition comes on the heels of what has been widely regarded as one of Team Philippines’ most successful campaigns in the history of the Games.

     

    Competing against the region’s best, the Philippine contingent delivered a historic medal haul of 45 golds, 37 silvers, and 52 bronzes for a total of 134 medals—an achievement that underscores the steady growth of the country’s para sports program. The performance marked the Philippines’ finest showing since joining the ASEAN Para Games in 2001, further solidifying its place among Southeast Asia’s emerging para sports powers.

     

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    Under the provisions of Republic Act No. 10699, athletes were awarded ₱150,000 for every gold medal, ₱75,000 for silver, and ₱30,000 for bronze. Coaches also received corresponding incentives for their roles in guiding the athletes to podium finishes. However, it remains a point of discussion within the sporting community that these amounts are currently set at half the incentives granted to able-bodied athletes, who receive ₱300,000, ₱150,000, and ₱60,000 for gold, silver, and bronze medals, respectively.

     

    During the ceremony, Senator Go emphasized the importance of sustained investment and collaboration in Philippine sports:

    “We went from zero gold medals to three in the Olympics. With the PSC leading the way and the private sector partnering with the government, I am confident that we can earn more gold,” Go said on the occasion.

     

    Also present at the event was Michael Barredo, president of the International Blind Sports Federation and founding chief of the Paralympic Committee of the Philippines. Barredo commended the athletes for their perseverance and for bringing pride to the nation despite various challenges.

     

    “Despite the times of the energy crisis and all, today is the day that we celebrate the honor and glory of all athletes, and the pride that you gave to all Filipinos. This is the first time after so many years that we placed fourth after years of fifth and sixth placed finishes,” Barredo added.

     

    A total of 75 para athletes attended the ceremony, highlighted by standout swimmer Angel Mae Otom, who emerged as one of the brightest stars of the campaign. Otom delivered a dominant performance in the pool, capturing five individual gold medals and adding a silver medal in the mixed 4×50-meter freestyle relay—an achievement that further cemented her status as one of the country’s premier para athletes.

     

    Beyond recognition and rewards, the PSC reiterated its commitment to long-term development. Chairman Gregorio revealed ongoing efforts to upgrade and modernize training facilities to better support both able-bodied and para athletes. Among the initiatives are the establishment of a dedicated office at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City, as well as enhancements to infrastructure and athlete services at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila and its counterpart facilities in Baguio City.

     

    In addition, the PSC is working closely with various national sports associations to advocate for policy reforms that promote equality in athlete compensation. Central to this effort is Senate Bill No. 1743, sponsored by Senator Go, which seeks to grant equal financial incentives to both para athletes and able-bodied athletes competing in international events.

     

    As the Philippines continues to build momentum in para sports, the achievements in 2025 ASEAN Para Games serve as both a milestone and a stepping stone—highlighting not only the country’s growing competitiveness but also the ongoing push toward inclusivity, recognition, and sustained excellence on the global stage.

     

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  • Philippines records best-ever medal haul in ASEAN Para Games history at 13th edition in Thailand

    Philippines records best-ever medal haul in ASEAN Para Games history at 13th edition in Thailand

    Team Philippines sent a 216-strong delegation to the recently concluded 13th ASEAN Para Games, which were held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, from January 20 to 26, underscoring the country’s continued commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and athlete development in international para sports.

     

    The Philippine contingent—composed of seasoned medalists, rising stars, coaches, and support staff—delivered a historic performance, posting the best medal haul in the nation’s history at the ASEAN Para Games. Team Philippines finished the competition with an impressive 45 gold medals, 37 silver medals, and 52 bronze medals, for a total of 134 medals won by 211 Filipino athletes, marking the country’s most successful showing since it first joined the Games in 2001.

     

    The achievement surpassed the country’s previous best performance at the 12th ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia in 2023, where the Philippines collected 34 gold, 33 silver, and 50 bronze medals. This significant improvement highlighted the depth and balance of the current national para-athlete pool.

     

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    Several sports led the medal charge for the Philippines, with athletics emerging as the top contributor after hauling in 16 gold medals. Swimming followed closely with 13 gold medals, while chess added another 12 gold medals, showcasing the team’s versatility across both physical and mind sports disciplines.

     

    Chief of mission Goody Custodio credited the team’s focused preparation and successful integration of young athletes as key factors behind the strong showing.

     

    “I think the key was that both our athletes and coaches were able to really focus. At the same time, we were able to integrate young para-athletes into the team,” Custodio said during a media interaction.

    Custodio emphasized that a significant portion of the medal haul came from emerging talents, particularly in classifications involving visually impaired athletes, signaling a bright future for Philippine para sports.

     

    “Most of our medalists are actually young talents. Of course, our veterans are still there and they continue to deliver, but a big portion of our success came from new talents coming from different classes, especially among visually impaired athletes. That’s where many of our medalists came from,” he added.

     

    Beyond performances on the field of play, Custodio highlighted the crucial role of institutional and community support in driving the team’s success. He credited the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC), and partners from the private sector for providing essential resources and encouragement to the athletes.

     

    “The biggest takeaway is the importance of support—from our sponsors like the PSC and MVP Sports, and also from the media. Just by releasing the results and medal tallies, the athletes already feel the support,” Custodio said.

     

    “Even their families back in the Philippines were able to follow them through videos and updates, which gives them strength. That kind of support really matters to our athletes,” he concluded.

     

    Prior to the start of the Games, PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio announced additional incentives to recognize the efforts of the country’s para-athletes and coaches. All participants were assured of a ₱6,000 bonus, on top of the standard government incentives mandated under Republic Act 10699, also known as the Expanded National Athletes and Coaches Incentives and Benefits Act.

     

    Under the incentive program, gold medalists will receive ₱150,000, silver medalists ₱75,000, and bronze medalists ₱30,000, providing tangible recognition for the athletes’ dedication, resilience, and outstanding achievements on the regional stage.

     

    With its record-breaking performance at the 13th ASEAN Para Games, Team Philippines not only reaffirmed its growing stature in para sports across Southeast Asia but also laid a strong foundation for future international competitions, driven by youth, sustained support, and a culture of inclusion and excellence.

     

     

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  • Gary Bejino breaks ASEAN Para Games record, lifts PH Para team to golden start

    Gary Bejino breaks ASEAN Para Games record, lifts PH Para team to golden start

    The Philippine campaign at the 13th ASEAN Para Games burst into life almost immediately, and Gary Bejino made sure the tone was nothing short of historic.

     

    Moments into the swimming competitions, Bejino delivered the country’s first gold medal—and did it with authority—by smashing the meet record in the men’s 400-meter freestyle S6 at the 80th Birthday Aquatics Center last Wednesday. The Tokyo Paralympian touched the wall at 5:32.08, rewriting his own previous mark of 5:38.26 set during the 2023 Cambodia edition.

     

    Yet beyond the numbers, the victory carried deeper meaning. The opening day of competition also doubled as a personal milestone, turning the race into a celebration both in and out of the pool.

    “I am happy to get the gold and have my time be a bit faster,” Bejino said.

     

    “It so happened that the first day of the competition coincided with my son’s birthday as well as my coach Bryan Ong and coach Leo Ramos’ birthday yesterday. It added more motivation for me to win.”

     

    Bejino’s record-breaking swim set off a chain reaction for Team Philippines. Just minutes later, seasoned para swimmer Ernie Gawilan ensured the momentum continued, claiming gold in the men’s 400m freestyle S7 with a time of 5:02.39.

     

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    For Gawilan, the victory carried a deeply personal dedication as well, as he pointed to family as his driving force.

     

    “First of all, I dedicate this victory to the country and to my baby who will be born soon,” Gawilan said, offering a heartfelt nod to his wife and their incoming daughter.

     

    The golden run in the pool didn’t stop there. Angel Mae Otom, a 2024 Paris Paralympics campaigner, added another top-podium finish by ruling the women’s 50m backstroke S4–S5 in 47.29 seconds, underlining the Philippines’ strength in para swimming early in the meet.

     

    Elsewhere, the national 3×3 wheelchair basketball teams came agonizingly close to gold but ultimately settled for silver after tough finals against host Thailand at Hall 1 of Terminal 21 Korat. The Pilipinas Warriors bowed to a 13–20 defeat, while the Lady Warriors absorbed a 5–12 loss in their championship matchup.

     

    The medal haul continued across disciplines. Marydol Pamati-an secured silver in the women’s 41-kilogram para powerlifting event with a total lift of 77kgs, while Denesia Esnara added a bronze in the 45kg class after lifting 73kgs.

     

    Additional bronze medals came from Michael Bayani in para cycling and Francisco Ednaco in the singles event of tenpin bowling, further padding the Philippines’ early medal count.

     

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  • ASEAN Para Games Day 1 Roundup: Team Philippines opens campaign with record-breaking golds

    ASEAN Para Games Day 1 Roundup: Team Philippines opens campaign with record-breaking golds

    Team Philippines wasted no time making its presence felt on Day 1 of the ASEAN Para Games on January 21, delivering a strong opening performance highlighted by multiple gold medals, game records, and promising starts across several disciplines.

     

    Currently the Philippines is ranked third overall with a total of 20 medals, consisting of eight golds, six silver and bronze medals. Vietnam is in fourth place with only one shy of the Philippines’ tally. 

     

    The Filipinos drew early momentum from para athletics, where Jan Jayro Palermo struck gold in the men’s long jump T20 with a leap of 6.89 meters. The track events proved equally fruitful as Rodrigo Podiotan Jr. captured gold in the men’s 400m T52 in 1:01.06, setting a new Games record, while Cendy Asusano rewrote the mark in the women’s shot put F54 with a gold-winning throw of 6.04 meters. Team PHI also topped the men’s 1500m T11 through the tandem of Evenezer Celebrado and Daniel Enderes Jr., adding another gold to the tally.

     

    In the pool, para swimming continued to be a gold mine. Gary Bejino dominated the men’s 400m freestyle S6 in 5:32.88, another Games record, while Ernie Gawilan ruled the men’s 400m freestyle S7. Angel Otom also stood tallest in the women’s 50m backstroke S4-S5. A silver came from the mixed 4×50m freestyle relay, rounding out a productive opening day in aquatics.

     

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    Team Philippines also shone in para fencing, with Marlyn Garrucho clinching gold in the women’s individual sabre A after edging Thailand, 15-13. In tenpin bowling, Francisco Ednaco secured a bronze in the men’s singles TPB8 event, while Michael Bayani added another bronze in para cycling (men’s individual time trial C3–C5).

     

    Several sports saw encouraging results despite tough competition. Para powerlifting delivered a silver from Marydol Pamatian (women’s 41kg) and a bronze from Denesia Esnara (women’s 55kg). Para archery and wheelchair basketball 3×3 both ended with silver finishes after hard-fought finals against Thailand.

     

    Meanwhile, Filipino athletes made strong early impressions in para badminton, para table tennis, and chess, racking up multiple preliminary wins that set them up well for the later stages. Goalball and sitting volleyball saw mixed outcomes, while cerebral palsy football and some team basketball events posed early challenges against regional powerhouses.

     

    Overall, Day 1 painted a promising picture for Team Philippines—anchored by record-setting gold medals and depth across disciplines—as the delegation looks to build even more momentum in the days ahead.

     

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  • Philippines 3×3 wheelchair team roll into ASEAN Para Games semifinals

    Philippines 3×3 wheelchair team roll into ASEAN Para Games semifinals

    The Philippine men’s 3×3 wheelchair basketball team didn’t just win at the 13th ASEAN Para Games — it sent a statement.

     

    With composure, chemistry, and control, the Pilipinas Warriors secured an early spot in the semifinals after sweeping their first two games on Monday at Hall 1 of Terminal 21 Korat in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, showing that their campaign is built on more than just momentum.

     

    Anchored by team captain Kenneth Tapia alongside Alfie Cabañog, Jannil Cañete, and Fel Lander Dawal, the Filipinos wasted little time asserting themselves, dismantling Indonesia with a lopsided 20-3 win that effectively removed any doubt about their intentions in the tournament.

     

    Head coach Vernon Perea said the emphatic opening performance allowed the team to dictate how the rest of the day unfolded.

     

    “In the first match, we had Alfie and Kenneth running the game very smoothly so iniwan lang natin. We got the chance to finish it early kasi we’re expecting a close match against Malaysia,” Perea said. “Luckily, we came out as the winners.”

     

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    That preparation paid off in the Warriors’ second outing, where they fended off a tougher Malaysian side, 11-7, with Cabañog stepping up when it mattered most by scoring seven points in the win.

     

    With two victories secured, the Philippines turned its attention to a showdown with host Thailand at press time, a matchup that will decide the tournament’s top seed and potentially shape the road to the gold medal.

     

    While the men cruised with confidence, the mood on the women’s side was far more urgent.

     

    The Pilipinas Lady Warriors found themselves on the brink after absorbing back-to-back defeats — a 2-14 loss to Thailand followed by a narrow 5-8 setback against Laos — putting their medal hopes in jeopardy in a compact three-team field.

     

    National team coach Harry Solanoy acknowledged the challenge ahead, stressing that precision and urgency are now non-negotiable.

     

    “Ang kailangan, talunin namin ng by four points ang Laos kung matalo sila ng Thailand,” Solanoy said, noting that the tournament format leaves no room for error, with the bottom team walking away empty-handed and without a bronze medal.

     

    As the men push forward with confidence and the women fight to stay alive, the Philippines’ wheelchair basketball campaign at the ASEAN Para Games continues to reflect both the highs of dominance and the harsh realities of international competition — where every possession can redefine a season.

     

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  • PSC announces P6,000 bonus for all Philippines para-athletes and coaches at ASEAN Para Games

    PSC announces P6,000 bonus for all Philippines para-athletes and coaches at ASEAN Para Games

    Team Philippines is ready to make its mark as the 13th ASEAN Para Games gets underway on January 20 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, sending a 216-member delegation poised to compete across the region’s most prestigious para-sports event. The contingent, composed of seasoned medalists, rising stars, and their coaching staff, represents the country’s commitment to excellence and inclusion in international sports.

     

    In a morale-boosting announcement ahead of departure, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio confirmed that all para athletes and coaches competing in the Games will receive a P6,000 bonus, on top of the standard government incentives for medal winners under Republic Act 10699, also known as the Expanded National Athletes and Coaches Incentives and Benefits Act. Gold medalists will take home P150,000, silver medalists P75,000, and bronze medalists P30,000, providing tangible recognition of their dedication and achievements.

     

    Team Philippines Deputy Chef de Mission Francis Diaz shared a video capturing Gregorio personally addressing the athletes and coaches.

     

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    “It’s not too late. Fight well, because chairman Pato and the PSC commissioners will give you a special bonus and a special travel allowance. Just like what we did for the athletes of the Southeast Asian Games, all of you para athletes and coaches will receive P6,000 each so that with full courage and with all your heart, you can fight for the Philippines in the ASEAN Para Games in Thailand,” Gregorio said.

    Ahead of the competition, the para-athletes were outfitted in their official Philippine team gear, provided jointly by the PSC and the Philippine Paralympic Committee. This follows the same preparation approach used for Team Philippines’ delegation to the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, ensuring athletes are equipped both physically and mentally for high-level competition.

     

    The Philippine delegation enters the Games with confidence, buoyed by a strong performance in the 2023 ASEAN Para Games, where the country finished fifth overall, capturing 33 gold, 33 silver, and 50 bronze medals, totaling 116 podium finishes. This blend of experience and youthful talent positions Team Philippines as a serious contender for the podium while also serving as role models for the next generation of para-athletes.

     

    Beyond medals, Team Philippines’ mission is equally focused on raising the profile of para-sports in the country. Their participation is an opportunity to highlight resilience, representation, and empowerment, inspiring Filipinos with disabilities to pursue sports and challenging societal perceptions about what athletes with impairments can achieve. Each athlete carries not just the weight of competition, but also the responsibility of being a national ambassador, demonstrating that excellence, dedication, and courage transcend physical limitations.

     

    As the athletes prepare to compete in events ranging from track and field to swimming, powerlifting, and team sports, the Games will test their training, endurance, and mental toughness. For many, the ASEAN Para Games also offer a chance to qualify for bigger international stages, including the Asian Para Games and the Paralympic Games, making every performance a step toward broader recognition on the world stage.

     

    With the support of the government, the PSC, and a passionate national fanbase, Team Philippines’ delegation is ready to showcase their skill, heart, and determination in Thailand. The country will be watching closely, eager to celebrate new victories, honor inspiring performances, and support athletes who are not only competing for medals but also paving the way for greater awareness and development of para-sports in the Philippines.

     

    The 13th ASEAN Para Games promises to be a celebration of athletic excellence, inclusivity, and national pride, as Team Philippines aims to leave a lasting mark on the region while inspiring future generations of para-athletes.

     

     

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  • Team Philippines para squads hit the ground running as ASEAN Para Games action opens in Thailand

    Team Philippines para squads hit the ground running as ASEAN Para Games action opens in Thailand

    Before the lights officially come on at the 13th ASEAN Para Games, the Philippines is already stepping into competition mode.

     

    The national 3×3 wheelchair basketball teams and the cerebral palsy (CP) football squad are set to open the country’s campaign in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand on Monday, a full day ahead of the opening ceremony, signaling an early test of readiness for Team Pilipinas.

     

    Wheelchair basketball takes center stage first at Terminal 21 Korat, where the men’s team clashes with Indonesia at 11:30 a.m. (Manila time), followed closely by the women’s showdown against host Thailand at noon. Both matches will be played on the mall’s fourth floor, a unique venue that presents challenges beyond the usual X’s and O’s.

     

    For Pilipinas Warriors head coach Vernon Perea, success will hinge less on scripted plays and more on adaptability once the ball is in play.

     

    “We are always hoping but no matter how hard we train. It will all boil down to the breaks of the game, how fit we are and how sharp we are during the game,” Perea said.

     

     

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    Perea pointed to the playing surfaces as one of the immediate adjustments his squads must manage, with varying court textures expected to affect movement and control.

     

    “We are making adjustments. Court 2, medyo madulas tsaka Court 1, may mga rough surfaces. But lahat naman ng players maglalaro dyan so it will be the same for everybody.”

     

    Later in the day, attention shifts to the pitch as the men’s CP football team opens its tournament at 4 p.m. at the Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University Football Stadium, adding another front to the Philippines’ early push in the regional meet.

     

    While the opening ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, and the official competition begins Wednesday, these early fixtures offer Filipino para-athletes a chance to set the tone immediately—testing their preparation, composure, and ability to respond under unfamiliar conditions.

     

    For Team Pilipinas, the journey toward podium finishes begins not with ceremony, but with action. 

     

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  • Goody Custodio praises Team Philippines’ preparation and dedication for 13th ASEAN Para Games

    Goody Custodio praises Team Philippines’ preparation and dedication for 13th ASEAN Para Games

    The Philippines is gearing up for the 13th ASEAN Para Games, scheduled from January 20 to 26 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, with a 216-strong delegation ready to compete in the region’s most prestigious para-sports event.

     

    The first batch of athletes departed Manila early on Thursday, January 15, beginning a long travel day that includes a four-hour flight to Bangkok followed by a four-hour bus ride to Nakhon Ratchasima. The extended travel time is one of the logistical challenges the national squad must overcome as they prepare for competition.

     

    Philippines chief of mission Goody Custodio—who also serves as secretary general of the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC)—said the early deployment was intentional, ensuring athletes have more time to adjust to the conditions ahead of opening day.

     

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    “I think the challenge there is the travel because there is about a four-hour travel time. Based on the manual, it’s around 1.5 hours for the first stopover, then around two to two-and-a-half hours going to Korat. There is really travel fatigue. That’s why we only have a few days before the opening. So, there’s really travel fatigue. That’s why we only have a few days before the opening,” Custodio explained during a media briefing, emphasizing the importance of acclimatization and recovery.

    Ahead of their departure, the para-athletes received their official Philippine team gear from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Paralympic Committee—similar to what Team Philippines received for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games last month. According to Custodio, the gesture boosted the team’s morale.

     

    “I think their strength is their high spirits and high morale because they just received these supplies, tickets, and allowances. They are very proud to be a part of the ASEAN Para Games in Thailand and of course, they are very thankful to the PPC on behalf of Sir Mike Barredo, and of course, to the PSC under chairman Patrick Gregorio, and our Commissioner-in-Charge, Commissioner Ed Hayco,” he added.

     

    Two-time Paralympic wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan will be the country’s flag bearer during the opening ceremony at Chatchai Hall. Mangliwan is expected to lead the medal charge alongside standout swimmers Angel Otom and Gary Bejino, as well as chess masters Cheyzer Mendoza and Darrey Bernardo, all of whom have consistently delivered strong performances in international competitions.

     

    Team Philippines enters the 2025 ASEAN Para Games with confidence, backed by a solid showing in 2023 where the country finished fifth overall with 33 gold, 33 silver, and 50 bronze medals—a total of 116 podium finishes.

     

    With a blend of seasoned medalists and rising stars, the delegation is aiming for a strong and inspiring performance in Thailand. Beyond the pursuit of medals, the athletes carry the mission of elevating para-sports visibility in the Philippines, motivating future generations, and demonstrating resilience and excellence on the international stage.

     

    The upcoming games provide not only a competitive platform but also an opportunity to highlight representation, empowerment, and continued growth for para-athletes nationwide. As Team Philippines steps into competition, the nation will be watching with pride and anticipation, hopeful that their hard work and dedication will translate into another memorable campaign at the ASEAN Para Games.

     

     

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  • PPC eyes strong medal run for 216-strong Philippine delegation at ASEAN Para Games 2026

    PPC eyes strong medal run for 216-strong Philippine delegation at ASEAN Para Games 2026

    The Philippines is set to compete in the 13th edition of the ASEAN Para Games, scheduled from January 20 to 26 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, sending a 216-strong delegation of Paralympic athletes for the region’s premier para-sports event.

     

    Philippines chief of mission Goody Custodio, who also serves as secretary general of the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC), expressed confidence in the country’s chances, citing the dedication and discipline of the athletes in the lead-up to the competition.

     

    Custodio revealed that despite the holiday season, the Philippine Paralympic team continued their training, a testament to their passion and commitment.

     

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    “Well, they are excited and ready because after this holiday season or Christmas season, they went back to their training. They did not maximize the holidays. Same goes for the athletes. I’m happy that they are all in high spirits. We have 216 athletes competing in the ASEAN Para Games in Thailand on January 20,” Custodio said in a media interaction.

    Two-time Paralympic wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan will carry the Philippine flag during the opening ceremony at Chatchai Hall. Mangliwan is expected to be among the top medal contenders, alongside swimmers Angel Otom and Gary Bejino, as well as chess masters Cheyzer Mendoza and Darrey Bernardo, who have consistently performed at the highest level in their respective sports.

     

    Team Philippines comes into the 2025 edition with a strong track record. At the 2023 ASEAN Para Games, the country finished fifth overall, amassing 33 golds, 33 silvers, and 50 bronzes for a total of 116 medals. Custodio and PPC president Michael Barredo remain optimistic that this year’s contingent can surpass that achievement, even with the emergence of younger and highly competitive athletes from neighboring countries.

     

    “As I remember, before Christmas break, we had a meeting with coaches together with Sir Mike Barredo. Sir Mike asked for their forecasted medals for ASEAN in Thailand. The results are good. Even if we think that the competition has changed and there are many new and young athletes, the coaches’ forecasts are still good. So I guess we can do well this time,” Custodio added.

     

    With a mix of experienced medalists and promising young talent, Team Philippines is aiming not only to challenge for podium finishes but also to inspire the next generation of para-athletes across the country. Their preparation, discipline, and determination set the stage for an exciting and competitive ASEAN Para Games, and the nation will be eagerly watching as these athletes showcase their skills, resilience, and sportsmanship on the international stage.

     

    The upcoming Games in Thailand offer a platform not just for medals but for representation, empowerment, and growth of para-sports in the Philippines. As the athletes take the field, the country’s hopes rest on their hard work and dedication, with expectations high that Team Philippines will deliver a performance that honors their training and continues the nation’s proud legacy in regional para-sport competitions.

     

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