The Philippines continued its medal surge on the fifth and final day of the 13th ASEAN Para Games on Sunday, January 25, further strengthening its position in the overall standings. Competing at the 80th Birthday Stadium, Filipino athletes added more gold medals to cap a historic campaign.

At press time, Team Philippines had amassed 38 gold, 31 silver, and 47 bronze medals to sit fourth overall. The total eclipsed the country’s previous best ASEAN Para Games haul of 34-33-50 achieved in the 2023 edition in Phnom Penh.

The milestone underscored the delegation’s steady rise in regional para sports, driven by standout performances across athletics and aquatics. Several athletes delivered career-defining moments as the curtain fell on the Games.

Ongcoy, Trocino deliver late golds

Cyril Ongcoy secured his second gold medal of the meet after winning the men’s 5000-meter T12 event in 17:32.19. The triumph came days after he set a new meet record in the men’s 1500-meter T12, confirming his dominance in long-distance events.

Ongcoy said the 5000 meters has always been his strongest discipline, emphasizing discipline, strategy, and focus as keys to his success under pressure. His performance added momentum to the Philippine medal drive in the final stretch.

Cleford Trocino also shone on the last day, capturing gold in the men’s 800-meter T52 with a time of 2:00.16. Team captain Jerrold Mangliwan followed closely for silver, clocking 2:00.73, while Thai bet Peth Rungsri settled for bronze.

Bejino shines as team eyes more medals

Gary Bejino continued his dominant run in the pool, claiming his fourth gold medal after winning the men’s 100-meter freestyle S6 in 1:11.40 at the 80th Birthday Aquatics Center. His performance further highlighted the strength of the Philippine para swimming contingent.

Bejino’s latest victory added to the country’s growing medal count as competitions wound down across multiple venues. Filipino athletes remained active in several events even as the Games neared completion.

More medals were still in play as the men’s wheelchair basketball team battled host Thailand for gold at Terminal 21 Korat. The national chess team was also competing in the Blitz category at Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University at the time of writing.