On May 5th, the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) will kick off with an unprecedented display of national pride.
For the first time in SEA Games history, the Philippines will be represented by an all-female delegation in the parade of nations during the opening ceremony.
This team of 50 female athletes will march proudly around the 60,000-seat Morodok Techo Stadium in Phnom Penh, wearing Francis Libiran-designed white Barong Tagalog and waving Philippine flaglets.
Philippine Olympic Committee President, Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, announced the historic decision on Friday, stating that only three men from Team Pilipinas will join the Filipina athletes in the parade.
Tolentino, chef de mission Chito Loyzaga, and the flag bearer whose identity will be revealed a few days before the opening ceremony will wear Francis Libiran-designed white barongs over black pants.
“This will be a first in SEA Games history as Team Philippines will be represented by an all-women delegation in the parade,” Philippine Olympic Committee President Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said on Friday.
The Cambodia SEA Games Organizing Committee (Camsoc) has set a limit of 50 athletes for each nation during the traditional parade of athletes. However, Team Pilipinas will stand out with their all-female delegation, a milestone for gender equality in sports.
Fashion icon Francis Libiran, who designed the Barong Tagalog for the Philippine athletes in the 2019 SEA Games and last year’s competition in Hanoi, named his creation for this year’s event “Araw.”
Made out of Philippine jusi fabric and materials, it features an intricate embroidery of the Philippine flag. The hues of blue overlap a small bed of red as the sun and its rays encompass the entirety of the sash, representing every Filipino and showcasing their liberty, peace, and valor.
As the team marches into the stadium, they will be making history and sending a powerful message about the importance of gender equality in sports.
