Team Pilipinas concluded its campaign at the 12th ASEAN Para Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia with 34 gold medals, surpassing last year’s performance of 28 golds in Indonesia.
Darry Bernardo, Cheyzer Crystal Mendoza, and Sander Severino were instrumental in this achievement, each winning two gold medals at the Royal University on Thursday.
Bernardo, who is visually impaired, secured gold in the men’s individual B2-B3 event and also in the team event alongside Arman Subaste and Menandro Redor.
Mendoza, a lawyer by profession, dominated the women’s individual blitz PI category and also claimed gold in the team event with Cheryl Angot and Jean-Lee Nacita.
Severino, who competes in a wheelchair, a former world champion, emerged victorious in the men’s individual event and also in the team event with Felix Aguilera and Henry Lopez.
Under the guidance of James Infiesto, the chess team won a total of 13 gold medals, improving upon their 10-gold haul from last year.
The team’s top-performing athletes were Bernardo, who secured six golds, and Mendoza, who contributed five golds.
Swimmer Angel Mae Otom achieved four gold medals for the swimming squad, which in total won 10 gold, nine silver, and seven bronze medals, finishing in sixth place behind Thailand (34-29-33), Vietnam (28-19-26), Indonesia (27-37-24), Malaysia (26-12-10), and Singapore (11-10-8).
With a medal tally of 34 golds, 33 silvers, and 50 bronzes, Team Philippines replicated its fifth-place finish from Surakarta, Indonesia.
“I am honored and overjoyed to congratulate our athletes for their remarkable performances and astounding achievements in the 12th ASEAN Para Games. These achievements have not only brought glory once again to the Philippines but also serve as inspiration and motivation for future generations of para-athletes,” said Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner and Team Philippines chef-de-mission Walter Francis Torres on Friday.
“As we return home, remember that the results of these games will forever leave a mark on the sporting landscape of our country. You will continue to influence generations to overcome boundaries and limitations. On behalf of the entire nation, congratulations! I salute you all for your remarkable performances and outstanding representation of the Philippines in the 12th ASEAN Para Games. You make us proud!” he added.
Meanwhile, Indonesia secured its third consecutive title, amassing 153 golds, 141 silvers, and 93 bronzes.
Thailand, the host of the 2025 edition in Korat, settled for second place with 123 golds, 107 silvers, and 92 bronzes, followed by Vietnam (66-56-78) and Malaysia (47-38-35).
Around 50 athletes and officials from the Philippines participated in the grand closing ceremony at the Morodok Techo National Stadium, which officially marked the end of the action-packed 11-nation competition.
