TEAM Philippines is setting its sights on at least a third-place finish when it competes in the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games set for December 9 to 20 in Thailand.
Philippine team Chef de Mission Dr. Raul Canlas expressed confidence that the country’s campaign will be stronger this time, with more than 1,600 athletes, coaches, and officials comprising the national delegation.
Canlas said 1,681 Filipino athletes and coaches have been registered to compete across 36 sports in Bangkok, 20 sports in Chonburi, and 7 sports in Songkhla, where Thailand will implement a multi-city hosting of the biennial meet.
“This is going to be the biggest-ever Philippine delegation in the SEA Games, and we are preparing thoroughly to ensure that all athletes are well-supported,” Canlas said in an interview with RP2 Sports Radio.
The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has already submitted the official names of the contingent earlier this month. With the inclusion of administrative and medical personnel, Canlas expects the total headcount to reach nearly 2,000 delegates.
To ensure smooth operations, the Chef de Mission revealed that administrative and medical groups will be stationed in each host city, each headed by a deputy CDM. Two administrative offices may also be set up in Bangkok, which will serve as the main hub for around 1,200 Filipino athletes.
Assisting Canlas in leading the delegation are four deputy chefs de mission: Alvin Aguilar (wrestling), Bobby Moran (soft tennis), Jop Malonso (vovinam), and Jarry Belo (curling).
The Philippines is looking to improve on its recent finishes in the regional showpiece. The country placed fifth overall in the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games with 58 gold medals and fourth in the Vietnam 2021 SEA Games with 52 gold medals.
The last time the Philippines topped the medal tally was during its historic hosting in 2019, where it captured 149 gold medals.
With its biggest delegation ever and renewed optimism, Team Philippines is determined to climb back among the region’s elite and reclaim its place on the SEA Games podium.
