By Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA – Senator Joel Villanueva said Thursday he has filed a resolution recognizing the Philippine para-athletes who brought home seven medals from the 5th Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, while calling for sustained investment in inclusive sports development.
In Proposed Senate Resolution 752, Villanueva sought to congratulate the 69-member Philippine athletic delegation that finished 17th overall with two gold, two silver, and three bronze medals in the competition held from Oct. 18 to 24.
“Every member of the delegation deserves recognition for the years of preparation, sacrifice, and dedication required to represent the country at this level of international competition,” he said.
“We are proud of what they brought home.”
Veteran para-swimmer Ernie Gawilan led the country’s medal campaign, capturing gold in the men’s 400-meter freestyle S7 and silver in the 200-meter individual medley SM7.
The victory marked Gawilan’s fifth Asian Para Games gold medal, further cementing his legacy as the first Filipino to win gold in the continental competition during the 2018 edition in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Fellow swimmer Ariel Joseph Alegarbes delivered the country’s second gold after edging South Korea’s Sungho Kang in the men’s 100-meter backstroke S14.
The 18-year-old Alegarbes previously won three gold medals at the 2022 ASEAN Para Games.
In para table tennis, Lhey Marie Manginsay and Jan Wilfred Redulla secured silver in the mixed doubles Class XD17 after falling to China’s Paralympic champion Zhao Shuai and Xiong Guiyan.
Manginsay, who carried the Philippine flag during the opening ceremony, and Redulla previously captured gold at the 2025 ITTF World Para Future Taipei.
Raemond Adefuin contributed a bronze medal in the men’s 100-meter breaststroke SB6, clocking one minute and 30.76 seconds in his Asian Para Games debut.
The Philippine athletics team also reached the podium through King James Reyes, who claimed bronze in the men’s 1,500-meter T46, and Ma. Ravinia Carpena, who won bronze in the women’s shot put F20 with an 11.39-meter throw.
Despite the absence of chess, which accounted for eight of the country’s 10 gold medals during the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, the Philippine delegation matched its previous two-gold performance in the other sports.
Excluding chess, the Hangzhou delegation collected two gold, one silver, and three bronze medals, compared with two gold, two silver, and three bronze medals in Aichi-Nagoya.
Beyond medals
Villanueva said the delegation’s achievements should translate into stronger government support for Filipino athletes with disabilities, particularly through accessible training facilities, inclusive grassroots programs, and quality coaching.
“These athletes have shown what Filipinos can do when given the chance to train and compete,” he said. “We owe them the facilities, coaching, and support to keep winning.”
The resolution also recognized the contributions of coaches, trainers, medical personnel, sports officials, and families whose support helped sustain the athletes’ preparations and participation.
Villanueva emphasized that sports science, adequate training opportunities, and continued exposure to international competitions are essential to developing future generations of Filipino para-athletes.
The Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Paralympic Committee likewise praised the delegation’s performance.
Under the resolution, the Senate would formally congratulate and commend the entire Philippine delegation for demonstrating excellence, determination, and sportsmanship while inspiring aspiring athletes and strengthening national pride. (PNA)
