Team Philippines is ready to go as the 13th ASEAN Para Games kicks off on Wednesday in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
The country, which is sending a 216-strong delegation, is eyeing to surpass the previous gold medal tally of 33 golds, 33 silvers and 50 bronze medals set back in 2023 in Cambodia.
Paralympic swimmers Ernie Gawilan and Gary Bejino will be the first in line for the Filipino delegation as the para swimming events start at 9:30 a.m. (Manila time) at the 80th Birthday Sports Complex.
Also set to get a crack at the ASEAN Para Games gold are the men’s and women’s 3x3 wheelchair basketball squads at Hall 1 of Terminal 21 Korat as they both face hosts Thailand starting at 11 a.m.
READ: Team PH opens campaign in ASEAN Para Games
The Pilipinas Warriors defeated Malaysia, 13-11, in the semifinal while the Lady Warriors snuck past Laos, 8-4, in the final elimination match to earn a shot at the gold medal.
Representatives in para powerlifting, tenpin bowling, chess, para road cycling, para fencing, wheelchair tennis, sitting volleyball, para table tennis, shooting para sport, Boccia, and para badminton are also set to start tomorrow.
Philippine Paralympic Committee president Michael Barredo is optimistic of the country's chances, while Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio announced an additional P6,000 to the para athletes and coaches for this competition.
As of writing, the Philippines is in the opening ceremonies here at the 80th Birthday Stadium with nine other countries.
Wheelchair racer and two-time Paralympian Jerrold Mangliwan led the way as the Philippines’ flag bearer in the Parade of Para Athletes.
Chef de mission Goody Custodio is ecstatic about the composition of each squad as they share a good mix of veterans and up-and-coming para athletes.