A 32-member Philippine delegation —19 swimmers, 4 divers, 6 coaches and 3 officials—will leave for Jakarta, Indonesia on Tuesday to participate in the 45th Southeast Asian Age Group Aquatics Championship scheduled from August 24 to 26.
National junior record holder (13-under class) Jamesray Ajido and 2022 World Junior Championship campaigner Amina Isabelle Bungubung, will lead the team that was formed through intensive national tryouts conducted by the new Philippine Aquatics’ leadership, led by president Miko Vargas and secretary general Eric Buhain.
“We are sending a lean team but with a high chance of winning medals for our country. This is the first SEA Age Group team under the new administration of Philippine Aquatics. On behalf of our president Michael Vargas, we are proud of our team, and we are very happy that swimming is very active nationwide given the diversity of hometowns of our team,” said Buhain, a two-time Olympian, and Congressman of the First District of Batangas.
Aside from Ajido and Bungubung, who both come from Quezon City, the team also includes Mishka Sy, Jalid Taguinod, Makati City pride Ivo Nikolai Enot, Joshua Park from Paranaque City, Aishel Evangelista from Caloocan City, Estifano Ramos and Lance Rafael Cruz from Manila, Patricia Mae Santor and Shairinne Floriano from Antipolo City, as well as Peter Cyrus Dean from Quezon Province.
The team also includes Jie Angela Mikaela Talosig from Midsayap, North Cotabato; Catherine Cruz from Mabalacat, Pampanga; Arabella Taguinota from Pasig City; and Bea Mabalay and Jennuel Boo De Leon from Aklan.
Also joining the team are US-based Filipino-foreigners Clark Kent Apuada and Ava Samantha Bautista.
The four young divers aged 12 to 15 will be guided by coach Marie Dimanche.
Buhain appointed Ramil Ilustre as swimming head coach, along with assistants Cyrus Alcantara, Manuel De Leon Mark Pido, and Wilfredo Cruz, while Chito Rivera is head of delegation and coach Anthony Reyes as his deputy.