Manila: The Philippines is gearing up for a strong showing at the 2026 ASEAN Para Games, slated to take place from January 20-26 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. The country is sending a formidable contingent of 216 athletes to compete in various disciplines, aiming to surpass their previous performances.
According to Philippines News Agency, seasoned wheelchair racer Jerrold Pete Mangliwan, who has represented the country at the Paralympic Games in Paris, Rio de Janeiro, and Tokyo, will have the honor of being the flag bearer during the opening ceremony parade of nations. While the Filipinos will be competing in most of the 19 sports scheduled, they will not partake in blind football, wheelchair tennis, and wheelchair shooting.
Philippine Paralympic Committee Secretary General Goody Custodio, who has been appointed as the chef de mission and will be assisted by Milette Bonoan and Francis Diaz, noted that the athletes have resumed their training regimen after the holiday break and are in high spirits. The athletes are set to leave for Thailand in three batches, with departures scheduled for January 15 and 16, while Custodio and Bonoan will depart earlier on January 12 to attend the chef de mission meeting.
Custodio expressed optimism in the team’s prospects, particularly in cycling, badminton, and table tennis, where the Philippines has strong chances of securing medals. Reflecting on their performance at the 2023 edition held in Cambodia, the Philippines finished fifth overall with a medal haul of 33 golds, 33 silvers, and 50 bronzes, trailing behind Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Swimmer Angel Mae Otom was a standout performer, winning four of the country’s gold medals.