THE Philippines’ young athletes delivered one of their strongest performances in recent years, securing fourth place overall at the 14th ASEAN School Games (ASG) held in Brunei Darussalam.
Competing across six sports—athletics, basketball, swimming, badminton, pencak silat, and wushu—Team Philippines amassed 43 medals, including 11 gold, 10 silver, and 22 bronze, a marked improvement from last year’s 2-8-20 tally. The finish also matched the country’s best performance since 2014, when the Philippines placed fourth as host.
Athletics played a significant role in the medal surge, with several standout performances.
Jhul Ian Cañalita set a new ASG record in the boys’ 3000 meters, clocking 8:47.52. NCR’s Ma. Lhynette Libranda shattered the girls’ 100-meter hurdles record twice—first with a 14.20-second run in the semifinals, then lowering it further to 13.82 seconds in the finals. Middle-distance runner Anthony Cariaso swept the boys’ 800m and 1500m to add two more golds to the Philippine haul.
In team sports, both the boys’ and girls’ basketball squads completed undefeated campaigns to clinch the championship and reassert the country’s regional dominance in the sport.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara praised the delegation, saying the results highlight the importance of developing sports programs at the grassroots level.
“Mission accomplished kayo! Beyond the medals, your grit and discipline reminded us why we must keep strengthening school sports and supporting every young Filipino athlete,” Angara said. “Maraming salamat sa tapang, husay, at dangal na inalay ninyo para sa Pilipinas.”
The Philippines also fielded athletes in netball and sepak takraw in addition to its medal-producing sports.
Indonesia captured the overall championship with 42 golds, followed by Thailand (20 gold) and Malaysia (14 gold).
