Philippines shines as Gawilan, Bejino, and other swimmers set records at ASEAN Para Games

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Filipino para swimmers continued to shine at the 13th ASEAN Para Games as Ernie Gawilan and Gary Bejino set new records and won multiple gold medals. The competition at the 80th Birthday Aquatics Center highlighted the strength and determination of the country’s differently-abled athletes.

Gawilan, a three-time Paralympian, claimed his second gold medal of the tournament in the men’s 200-meter freestyle S7 event, clocking two minutes and 26.08 seconds. The 35-year-old erased an 18-year-old record previously held by Thailand’s Sittichai Somyut, who had set 2:52.11 in 2008.

Ernie Gawilan and Gary Bejino lead the Philippines’ gold rush at the ASEAN Para Games [photo credit: APG2025 Media Pool]

For Gawilan, the motivation extends beyond medals. He hopes to make the podium at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics and inspire his soon-to-be-born daughter. “Sana, ipagmalaki niya sa mga kaibigan niya balang araw. Sana maging atleta rin siya, swimmer din,” he said.

Bejino follows up gold streaks

Gary Bejino, who won the Philippines’ first gold at the Games last Wednesday, added another in the men’s 200-meter freestyle S6, finishing in two minutes and 37 seconds and breaking his previous record of 2:38.55 set in Phnom Penh.

The 30-year-old Tokyo Paralympics swimmer also earned silver in the men’s 50-meter freestyle S6 event, finishing in 34.38 seconds. Bejino credited his success to pacing strategies learned during training. “Sa Para Games, sana madagdagan pa mga gold na makuha ko ngayon,” he said.

Other record-breaking performances

Angel Mae Otom captured her second gold, winning the women’s 100-meter freestyle S4-S5 event in 1:41.44. Ariel Joseph Alegarbes dominated the men’s backstroke 100-meter S14, clocking 1:02.52.

Rodrigo Podiotan Jr. claimed gold in the men’s 400m T52, erasing the previous record of 1:01.93 with a time of 1:01.06. Jerrold Mangliwan settled for silver in the same event with 1:01.41.

Jan Jayro Palermo, a standout from Palarong Pambansa, took home his first ASEAN Para Games gold with a 6.89-meter leap in the F20 men’s long jump.

As of Thursday, the Philippines stands third in the medal tally with 12 golds, 10 silvers, and eight bronze medals, showcasing the country’s growing strength in para sports.