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Tag: para-athletes

  • 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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  • Paralympians take the center stage as National Sports Museum unveils historic tribute

    Paralympians take the center stage as National Sports Museum unveils historic tribute

    For years, the stories of Filipino Paralympians lived quietly alongside the country’s greatest sporting achievements. Now, they finally have a space of their own — one that ensures their legacy is remembered and celebrated.


    The National Sports Museum at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City has unveiled a dedicated section honoring the Philippines’ Paralympians, highlighted by the bronze medals of Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta and the late Josephine Medina. 

     

    The unveiling coincided with the celebration of Women with Disabilities Day in 2026, turning the spotlight on a sector that has long fought for recognition.

     

    Inside a museum that already features icons like Manny Pacquiao, Efren “Bata” Reyes, and Hidilyn Diaz, the addition marks a significant step toward inclusion — placing Paralympians firmly within the narrative of Philippine sports excellence.

     

    Dumapong-Ancheta, who delivered the country’s first-ever Paralympic medal at the 2000 Sydney Games with a bronze in powerlifting, sees the moment as more than symbolic. For her, it is about correcting years of invisibility.

     

    “Visibility is very important. Alam mo nung unang binuksan ito, everybody was looking for [para sports] kasi nakakalimutan talaga. Although, minsan nasa isip, pero in actuality ang katotohanan talaga nakakalimutan talaga,” Dumapong-Ancheta said.

     

    “By having a space talaga, provided for the Paralympics, alam mo yun? Pag umikot yung mga nakakakita, yung mga viewers, they will say na oo nga no meron [Paralympians]. I hope dumating yung panahon na hindi na magkakaroon ng parang ay meron pala, kungdi sana kasabay na siya palagi,” she added.

     

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    Her bronze medal along with Medina’s from the 2016 Rio Paralympics, now stands as a shared symbol of perseverance. 

     

    Both medals were donated by Dumapong-Ancheta and Medina’s family. For Dumapong-Ancheta, the decision to part with her prized possession was never difficult.

     

    “Hindi siya naging mahirap ibigay sa akin. Because I’ve always known it’s not really for me. Lalo na when I realized that when I compete, I don’t compete for myself. I compete for the Philippines and the sector na marginalized at that time,” she said.

     

    “Sabi nga nila i-rereplicate lang nila. Pero I said no I can give it, I can donate it. Because for me it’s really for the Filipino people,” the bronze medalist paralympian said.

     

    The ceremony also honored the legacy of Josephine Medina, with her nephew Buddy Acosta expressing gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission for recognizing her contributions to the nation.

     

    Officials and members of the para sports community, including PSC commissioners Walter Torres and Bong Coo, Philippine Paralympic Committee president Michael Barredo, and athletes Angel Mae Otom and Cendy Asusano, gathered for the unveiling — a moment that signaled not just remembrance, but progress.

     

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  • “We cannot do it alone”: Angel Mae Otom and Adeline Dumapong Ancheta urge awareness and support for Para Sports

    “We cannot do it alone”: Angel Mae Otom and Adeline Dumapong Ancheta urge awareness and support for Para Sports

    The third edition of the Women in Sports Awards took center stage at the Philippine International Convention Center on Friday, March 20, celebrating the remarkable achievements of Filipino women athletes across multiple disciplines. The annual event continues to shine a spotlight on excellence in sports while championing inclusivity, empowerment, and the continued growth of women’s participation in athletics nationwide.

     

    Among the standout honorees were para sports trailblazers Adeline Dumapong Ancheta and Angel Mae Otom, both recognized for their contributions to Philippine sports and their role in elevating awareness for athletes with disabilities.

     

    Otom emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, taking home the Para Athlete of the Year award following a dominant showing at the 2026 ASEAN Para Games in Thailand, where she captured five gold medals and one silver. The young para swimmer also etched her name in the record books by breaking an 18-year-old mark in the women’s 100-meter backstroke, further cementing her status as one of the country’s rising stars in para sports.

     

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    Meanwhile, Dumapong Ancheta, a true pioneer in Philippine athletics, was honored for her enduring legacy. She made history at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics by becoming the first Filipino to win a medal in the Paralympic Games, securing a bronze in powerlifting—an achievement that opened doors for future generations of para athletes in the country.

     

    Now 52, Dumapong Ancheta continues to be a leading advocate for the growth and recognition of para sports in the Philippines. She emphasized the importance of building a strong support system for athletes with disabilities, noting that even simple acts such as raising awareness can have a meaningful impact.

    “Siguro, kasi palaging as an advocate, palagi kong sinasabi na kailangan namin ng mga allies, mga kakampi, because we really cannot do it alone. And one of the most practical things siguro ay yung pag-suporta,” Dumapong Ancheta said during the event.

     

    “Paano ipapakita ang pag-suporta? Siguro, we talk of things like this. Alam mo yun, we share topics like this in social media. Napaka-importante nun because I think it is the only way to really gisingin ang kamalya ng mga tao, ng bawat Pilipino na kasama kami, nandito din kami. We can share the stories of yung mga ordinaryo na mga atleta na may kapansanan. So yun lang naman yung sa tingin ko na most practical for now,” she added.

     

    Echoing the same sentiment, Otom highlighted the progress that para sports has made in recent years, while also stressing the need for continued visibility and support. She pointed out that increased exposure—particularly through digital platforms—can inspire more individuals with disabilities to pursue sports and chase their dreams.

     

    “Noon po kasi hindi po talaga masyadong, kulang pa ang suporta dahil siyempre pausbong pa lang po ang para-sports. And sa ngayon I feel lucky din po kasi sa ngayon mas naging aware na din po lahat ng tao na meron din mga para-athletes na lumalaban sa ibang bansa. Patuloy lang din po kayo na i-feature nyo yung mga para athlete.

     

    “So sa konting tingin lang sa Facebook, baka ma-post sa Facebook, may mga PWD (person with disabilities) na nag-phone na may kita nila, ay ganito pala, pwede pa pala akong lumaban, pwede din pala akong sumali sa mga ganito. Pwede nilang makamit yung mga pangarap nila,” Otom continued.

     

    Beyond individual accolades, the Women in Sports Awards underscored a broader movement toward inclusivity and equal opportunity in Philippine sports. The event served not only as a celebration of achievements but also as a platform to amplify voices advocating for greater support, accessibility, and recognition for all athletes—regardless of gender or physical ability.

     

    As the landscape of Philippine sports continues to evolve, figures like Dumapong Ancheta and Otom remain at the forefront of change, inspiring a new generation to break barriers and redefine what is possible both on and off the field.

     

     

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