The Philippine delegation won seven medals, including two golds, at the 5th Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, prompting Senator Joel Villanueva to seek recognition for the athletes through Proposed Senate Resolution No. 752.
The Philippines finished 17th after sending 69 athletes to compete in 11 sports, winning two gold, two silver and three bronze medals.
Ernie Gawilan won gold in the men’s 400-meter freestyle S7 and silver in the men’s 200-meter individual medley SM7. Ariel Joseph Alegarbes captured the other gold in the men’s 100-meter backstroke S14.
Lhey Marie Manginsay and Jan Wilfred Redulla won silver in para table tennis mixed doubles Class XD17. Bronze medals went to Raemond Adefuin in the men’s 100-meter breaststroke SB6, King James Reyes in the men’s 1,500-meter T46, and Ma. Ravinia Carpena in the women’s shot put F20.
“Every member of the delegation deserves recognition for the years of preparation, sacrifice, and dedication required to represent the country at this level of international competition,” Villanueva said.
“We are proud of what they brought home.”
Villanueva also cited the need for better facilities, coaching and sustained support for Filipino para-athletes.
“These athletes have shown what Filipinos can do when given the chance to train and compete,” Villanueva said. “We owe them the facilities, coaching, and support to keep winning.”IMT
