The Philippines concluded its campaign at the 2026 ASEAN Para Games in Thailand with a record-breaking performance, bringing home 134 medals, the country’s best showing since the tournament’s inaugural edition in 2001.
The medal haul consisted of 45 golds, 37 silvers, and 52 bronzes, securing fourth place overall among participating nations. This achievement highlights the steady growth and rising competitiveness of Philippine para-athletes on the regional stage.
Young Athletes Propel Team Success
Chef de mission Goody Custodio credited the historic performance to the effective integration of young para-athletesinto the national team.
“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 from different classes, especially among visually impaired athletes,” Custodio said.
The combination of experienced athletes providing guidance and emerging talents stepping up proved crucial in boosting the team’s overall performance. The strategy not only strengthened the Philippines’ medal prospects but also set a strong foundation for future international competitions.
Standout Performances Across Sports
The team’s success was spread across multiple sports. Para athletics contributed 16 gold medals, while para swimming added 13. Chess emerged as another stronghold, with 12 golds, highlighted by Darry Bernardo, who captured six gold medals. Meanwhile, para swimmer Angel Otom was a standout performer, earning five golds and one silver.
This historic haul reflects the dedication, resilience, and talent of Philippine para-athletes, signaling a bright future for the country in regional and international competitions. The 2026 ASEAN Para Games performance not only celebrates current achievements but also inspires the next generation of athletes to continue raising the bar for the Philippines.
