Philippine Sports Commission awards ₱11.2M in incentives to 2026 ASEAN Para Games medalists 

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) paid tribute to the country’s para athletes on Tuesday, April 28, honoring their outstanding achievements at the 2026 ASEAN Para Games held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand. The recognition ceremony celebrated not only medal-winning performances but also the resilience and dedication of Filipino athletes who continue to elevate the nation’s standing in international para sports.

Led by PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio and Senator Christopher Lawrence Bong Go, the commission distributed a total of ₱11.2 million in incentives and cash rewards to 96 athletes and 52 coaches. The financial recognition comes on the heels of what has been widely regarded as one of Team Philippines’ most successful campaigns in the history of the Games.

Competing against the region’s best, the Philippine contingent delivered a historic medal haul of 45 golds, 37 silvers, and 52 bronzes for a total of 134 medals—an achievement that underscores the steady growth of the country’s para sports program. The performance marked the Philippines’ finest showing since joining the ASEAN Para Games in 2001, further solidifying its place among Southeast Asia’s emerging para sports powers.

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Under the provisions of Republic Act No. 10699, athletes were awarded ₱150,000 for every gold medal, ₱75,000 for silver, and ₱30,000 for bronze. Coaches also received corresponding incentives for their roles in guiding the athletes to podium finishes. However, it remains a point of discussion within the sporting community that these amounts are currently set at half the incentives granted to able-bodied athletes, who receive ₱300,000, ₱150,000, and ₱60,000 for gold, silver, and bronze medals, respectively.

During the ceremony, Senator Go emphasized the importance of sustained investment and collaboration in Philippine sports:

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) distributed incentives to 96 athletes and 52 coaches following their campaign in the 2025 Asean Para Games.

Read more: https://t.co/teLUyBzLki pic.twitter.com/4TiUEYXWjD

— The Manila Times (@TheManilaTimes) April 28, 2026

“We went from zero gold medals to three in the Olympics. With the PSC leading the way and the private sector partnering with the government, I am confident that we can earn more gold,” Go said on the occasion.

Also present at the event was Michael Barredo, president of the International Blind Sports Federation and founding chief of the Paralympic Committee of the Philippines. Barredo commended the athletes for their perseverance and for bringing pride to the nation despite various challenges.

“Despite the times of the energy crisis and all, today is the day that we celebrate the honor and glory of all athletes, and the pride that you gave to all Filipinos. This is the first time after so many years that we placed fourth after years of fifth and sixth placed finishes,” Barredo added.

A total of 75 para athletes attended the ceremony, highlighted by standout swimmer Angel Mae Otom, who emerged as one of the brightest stars of the campaign. Otom delivered a dominant performance in the pool, capturing five individual gold medals and adding a silver medal in the mixed 4×50-meter freestyle relay—an achievement that further cemented her status as one of the country’s premier para athletes.

Beyond recognition and rewards, the PSC reiterated its commitment to long-term development. Chairman Gregorio revealed ongoing efforts to upgrade and modernize training facilities to better support both able-bodied and para athletes. Among the initiatives are the establishment of a dedicated office at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City, as well as enhancements to infrastructure and athlete services at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila and its counterpart facilities in Baguio City.

In addition, the PSC is working closely with various national sports associations to advocate for policy reforms that promote equality in athlete compensation. Central to this effort is Senate Bill No. 1743, sponsored by Senator Go, which seeks to grant equal financial incentives to both para athletes and able-bodied athletes competing in international events.

As the Philippines continues to build momentum in para sports, the achievements in 2025 ASEAN Para Games serve as both a milestone and a stepping stone—highlighting not only the country’s growing competitiveness but also the ongoing push toward inclusivity, recognition, and sustained excellence on the global stage.

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