Goody Custodio praises Team Philippines’ preparation and dedication for 13th ASEAN Para Games

The Philippines is gearing up for the 13th ASEAN Para Games, scheduled from January 20 to 26 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, with a 216-strong delegation ready to compete in the region’s most prestigious para-sports event.

The first batch of athletes departed Manila early on Thursday, January 15, beginning a long travel day that includes a four-hour flight to Bangkok followed by a four-hour bus ride to Nakhon Ratchasima. The extended travel time is one of the logistical challenges the national squad must overcome as they prepare for competition.

Philippines chief of mission Goody Custodio—who also serves as secretary general of the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC)—said the early deployment was intentional, ensuring athletes have more time to adjust to the conditions ahead of opening day.

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“I think the challenge there is the travel because there is about a four-hour travel time. Based on the manual, it’s around 1.5 hours for the first stopover, then around two to two-and-a-half hours going to Korat. There is really travel fatigue. That’s why we only have a few days before the opening. So, there’s really travel fatigue. That’s why we only have a few days before the opening,” Custodio explained during a media briefing, emphasizing the importance of acclimatization and recovery.

𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 4️⃣ 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗳𝘁!🫡

Team Philippines is set to dive for gold at the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Thailand 🇹🇭 in just 4 days — a number all too familiar to para swimmer Angel Mae Otom who made waves 🌊 with a four-gold sweep at the 2023 ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia. pic.twitter.com/yWlYR9gqm3

— Philippine Sports Commission (@psc_gov) January 16, 2026

Ahead of their departure, the para-athletes received their official Philippine team gear from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Paralympic Committee—similar to what Team Philippines received for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games last month. According to Custodio, the gesture boosted the team’s morale.

“I think their strength is their high spirits and high morale because they just received these supplies, tickets, and allowances. They are very proud to be a part of the ASEAN Para Games in Thailand and of course, they are very thankful to the PPC on behalf of Sir Mike Barredo, and of course, to the PSC under chairman Patrick Gregorio, and our Commissioner-in-Charge, Commissioner Ed Hayco,” he added.

Two-time Paralympic wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan will be the country’s flag bearer during the opening ceremony at Chatchai Hall. Mangliwan is expected to lead the medal charge alongside standout swimmers Angel Otom and Gary Bejino, as well as chess masters Cheyzer Mendoza and Darrey Bernardo, all of whom have consistently delivered strong performances in international competitions.

Team Philippines enters the 2025 ASEAN Para Games with confidence, backed by a solid showing in 2023 where the country finished fifth overall with 33 gold, 33 silver, and 50 bronze medals—a total of 116 podium finishes.

With a blend of seasoned medalists and rising stars, the delegation is aiming for a strong and inspiring performance in Thailand. Beyond the pursuit of medals, the athletes carry the mission of elevating para-sports visibility in the Philippines, motivating future generations, and demonstrating resilience and excellence on the international stage.

The upcoming games provide not only a competitive platform but also an opportunity to highlight representation, empowerment, and continued growth for para-athletes nationwide. As Team Philippines steps into competition, the nation will be watching with pride and anticipation, hopeful that their hard work and dedication will translate into another memorable campaign at the ASEAN Para Games.

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