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Tag: Paralympic

  • 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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  • 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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