Para swimmer Christian Benedict Paulino brought pride to Quezon City and the country by winning the first gold medal in the 8th Philippine National Para Games, held at the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila. Paulino dominated the men’s 400m freestyle S6-S7 category, clocking in at 6 minutes and 55.61 seconds, ahead of Zach Lucas Osioma from Cadiz City, who finished in 8:27.50.

For the 20-year-old swim instructor, this victory was deeply meaningful. “It’s my first win at the National Para Games. I’m thrilled because I want to pursue my dream of competing in the Paralympics,” Paulino said, highlighting his dedication to advancing in the sport. He teaches swimming primarily to children and senior citizens, drawing inspiration from his idol, three-time Paralympian Ernie Gawilan.

Sharing a similar disability—underdeveloped legs since birth—with Gawilan, Paulino aspires to match the achievements of his mentor. Gawilan, who represented the Philippines at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro, 2020 Tokyo, and 2024 Paris Paralympics, was also the first Filipino to win a gold medal in the Asian Para Games.

Elsewhere at the Philsports Track and Field Oval, 18-year-old James Ang from Marikina City clinched a gold in the men’s 800m T20, finishing in 2:08.9. Ang, a Grade 10 student at Sta. Elena High School, held off competitors Mark Jason Encina from Pasig City and Earl Justin Solis from Iloilo in the T20 classification for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

In other swimming events, Cebu City’s Bea Roble, a recent Business Management graduate, made a triumphant return to the national team by winning the women’s 400m freestyle S6-S7 in 8:15.73. Roble expressed her intention to focus fully on her national team training now that she has completed her degree.

Additional gold medalists on the opening day included Justine Oliveros from Laguna, who won the men’s 400m freestyle S8-S10, and Tokyo Paralympian Gary Bejino, who emerged victorious in the men’s 50m butterfly S6-S7.

The five-day Philippine National Para Games, supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, celebrate the talent and determination of Filipino para-athletes, fostering a spirit of inclusion and resilience across the nation.