The first batch of Team Philippines bound for the 13th ASEAN Para Games departed on Thursday for Bangkok, Thailand, carrying the nation’s hopes in Southeast Asia’s premier multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities scheduled from January 20 to 26.
Backed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), athletes, coaches and officials from para athletics, boccia, wheelchair fencing, para cycling, para swimming and para judo left the country expressing confidence and pride as they prepared to represent the Philippines in the weeklong Games to be staged in Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima.
With six days remaining before the opening ceremony, Para Team Philippines was formally sent off earlier in the week during a ceremony at the Diamond Hotel in Manila, underscoring strong government support for the national contingent.
PSC chairperson John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio led the send-off, assuring the delegation of full state backing and urging the athletes to compete with the same resolve expected of the country’s able-bodied teams.
“I want you to feel that you are very special to us, but at the same time, you have to deliver medals and compete very hard for our country,” Gregorio said. “The medal you earn in the ASEAN Para Games is the same medal we earn in the Southeast Asian Games. It is the same national anthem — there is no difference.”
The 323-member Philippine delegation, composed of 212 para-athletes, 57 coaches and 54 team officials, will compete in 16 of the 19 para sports to be contested in the biennial meet.
Philippine Paralympic Committee–PHILSPADA president Michael Barredo said the team is aiming to surpass its showing in the previous edition, where the Philippines finished fifth overall with 34 gold, 33 silver and 49 bronze medals.
Held every two years, the ASEAN Para Games brings together Southeast Asia’s top para-athletes across a wide range of disciplines, providing a platform for elite competition while highlighting inclusion, excellence and national pride.
