The Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (PAI) is optimistic that the country’s youthful, but highly skilled national aquatics’ squad will strengthen the Philippines’ medal campaign in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games set from December 9 to 22 in Bangkok, Thailand.
PAI Secretary General Eric Buhain said the Bangkok-bound swimmers, divers, open water and water polo teams represent the best of the nation’s current talent pool—battle-tested athletes with international exposure and proven ability to compete with the region’s elite.
“No doubt, this team is the best of the best,” said the swimming legend and Philippine Sports Hall-of-Famer. “They all made the cut through tough national tryouts, with our swimmers surpassing the bronze-medal times from the previous SEA Games as our qualifying standard.”
Buhain noted that with support from the Philippine Sports Commission and the MVP Sports Foundation, foreign-based athletes continued their training with top institutions in the United States and Canada. Local swimmers, meanwhile, intensified preparations, under national coaches led by Ramil Ilustre.
“We sent our divers to train and compete in China, and our women’s water polo team is currently in Chengdu, while the men’s team has just returned from training in Becej, Serbia,” he added.
During their Serbia camp—made possible through a partnership initiated by Serbian national coach Filip Stojanovic—the men’s water polo squad even faced top Serbian club teams in exhibition matches.
“It’s a young team and it’s their first SEA Games. I can’t promise a gold medal, but they are capable of springing surprises. Whatever the color of the medal, I am proud of this team,” Stojanovic said.
Buhain also met with the athletes shortly after their return from Serbia to assess their progress.
“No pressure, but we aim for gold for the country,” he said. “That should always be our mindset when competing internationally. Gone are the days when we were satisfied with gaining experience. The strongest teams in the region will be there, and if we can win in the SEA Games, our chances improve for the Asian Games and even the Olympics.”
Beyond elite-level training, Buhain emphasized PAI’s commitment to grassroots development and comprehensive coaching programs both in Metro Manila and the provinces.
More than 100 coaches from clubs, schools, and various institutions recently joined the National Coaches Seminar conducted by Canadian coach Michal Skrodzki, lead national and open squad coach of the Nunawading Swimming Club in Canada.
“We need to build a strong foundation,” Buhain said. “That’s why we’re strengthening the knowledge and capability of our coaches so our young swimmers learn the right skills from the very beginning.”
