From SEA Games to the world stage: Philippines eyes bigger achievements in 2026

The Philippines capped off a highly successful 2025 calendar on the international sports stage, culminating with a strong showing at the recently concluded Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand. The Philippine contingent brought home a total of 277 medals, including 50 golds, 73 silvers, and 154 bronzes, placing sixth overall in the medal standings.

For Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, the performance was a testament to the dedication and hard work of the country’s athletes. He particularly highlighted the achievements of competitors in sports included in the Olympic program, such as women’s football, beach volleyball, and men’s basketball, as key indicators of the country’s long-term development in global competitions.

According to an analysis by an online Vietnamese platform, 70 percent of the Philippines’ 50 gold medals came from Olympic sports, a distinction that tied the nation with Singapore for the highest percentage of gold medals in Olympic events among the 11 participating countries.

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“Those are what mattered the most, the gold medals from Olympic sports. And that’s where many of the points are — the Olympic goal. There will be more competitions overseas and more historic achievements to come from Team Philippines in 2026,” Tolentino said in a media interaction.

MANILA, Philippines — THE Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Family couldn’t ask for more from Filipino athletes in 2025 and the coming new year, according to president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, looks brighter as ever. https://t.co/1hZfvrbubW

— The Manila Times (@TheManilaTimes) December 30, 2025

The POC chief also confirmed that the committee is collaborating closely with government sports agencies and national federations to ensure the continuous improvement of Philippine athletes and the sustainability of sports programs across the country.

Looking ahead, Team Philippines has a packed international schedule in 2026. Athletes will compete in a series of high-profile events, including the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics from February 6 to 22, the Sanya Asian Games in China from April 22 to 30, the 20th edition of the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4, the Dakar Youth Olympic Games from October 31 to November 13, and the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“It will be challenging this time as we will be competing in three Asian multi-sports events and we also have the Milano Winter Games and then the Youth Olympic Games. Our athletes and national sports associations are improving every year, and I’m so happy to see that,” Tolentino added.

The strong finish to 2025 signals a bright future for Philippine sports. With continued support from the POC, government agencies, and national federations, Team Philippines is poised to build on its momentum and aim for even greater achievements in 2026. From emerging stars to seasoned champions, the country’s athletes are ready to continue putting the Philippines on the map in the world of international sports.

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