The Philippines emerged as Southeast Asia’s top-performing nation at the Asian U20 Athletics Championships after Ana Bhianca Espenilla and Jerico Cadag delivered silver and bronze medals in Hong Kong.
![A silver medal for Ana Bhianca Espenilla and a bronze for Jerico Cadag capped a memorable campaign for the Philippines at the Asian U20 Athletics Championships. [PSC photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/PNVF-photo6-400x200.png)
Ana Bhianca Espenilla delivered a personal-best throw to capture silver in the women’s javelin, while Jerico Cadag earned bronze in the men’s 3000m steeplechase as the Philippines concluded its campaign at the Asian U20 Athletics Championships with two medals.
Jeralyn Rodriguez secured her place in the World U20 Athletics Championships after surpassing the qualifying standard in the women’s 400 meters at the Asian U20 Athletics Championships.
![Naomi Marjorie Cesar celebrates after winning gold in the women’s 800 meters at the SEA Games in Bangkok. [POC Media Pool]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_9206-400x200.jpg)
Teen runner Naomi Marjorie Cesar announced her arrival on the regional stage with a stunning 800-meter gold, while Hussein Loraña outkicked the field to give the Philippines a second athletics title at the 33rd SEA Games in Bangkok.
![Hokett Delos Santos powers through the 1,500 meters to secure decathlon gold for the Philippines. [POC Media Pool]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Awarding-Hokket-Delos-Santos_Gold-Decathlon-Mens-4118-400x200.jpg)
John Cabang Tolentino and Hokett Delos Santos starred for the Philippines, claiming gold in the men’s 110m hurdles and decathlon at the 33rd SEA Games in Bangkok.
![POC president Abraham Tolentino discusses last-minute changes to the delegation lineup. [POC Media pool]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/cong-2-400x200.jpg)
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino says the entire athletics delegation, including pole vaulter EJ Obiena, will miss the SEA Games opening parade due to tightened royal security in Bangkok.
POC President Bambol Tolentino calls for a swift investigation into the tragic death of OCR champion Mervin Guarte, a Southeast Asian Games gold medalist and Air Force serviceman.