Paralympians take the center stage as National Sports Museum unveils historic tribute

For years, the stories of Filipino Paralympians lived quietly alongside the country’s greatest sporting achievements. Now, they finally have a space of their own — one that ensures their legacy is remembered and celebrated.

The National Sports Museum at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City has unveiled a dedicated section honoring the Philippines’ Paralympians, highlighted by the bronze medals of Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta and the late Josephine Medina. 

The unveiling coincided with the celebration of Women with Disabilities Day in 2026, turning the spotlight on a sector that has long fought for recognition.

Inside a museum that already features icons like Manny Pacquiao, Efren “Bata” Reyes, and Hidilyn Diaz, the addition marks a significant step toward inclusion — placing Paralympians firmly within the narrative of Philippine sports excellence.

Dumapong-Ancheta, who delivered the country’s first-ever Paralympic medal at the 2000 Sydney Games with a bronze in powerlifting, sees the moment as more than symbolic. For her, it is about correcting years of invisibility.

“Visibility is very important. Alam mo nung unang binuksan ito, everybody was looking for [para sports] kasi nakakalimutan talaga. Although, minsan nasa isip, pero in actuality ang katotohanan talaga nakakalimutan talaga,” Dumapong-Ancheta said.

“By having a space talaga, provided for the Paralympics, alam mo yun? Pag umikot yung mga nakakakita, yung mga viewers, they will say na oo nga no meron [Paralympians]. I hope dumating yung panahon na hindi na magkakaroon ng parang ay meron pala, kungdi sana kasabay na siya palagi,” she added.

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As the country marks Women with Disabilities Day, the Philippine Sports Commission honors Paralympic medalists Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta and the late Josephine Medina.

PSC unveiled the memorabilia donated by Dumapong-Ancheta and Medina at the National Sports Museum. @ABSCBNNews pic.twitter.com/RSXwqi5Paq

— Paige Javier (@PaigeJavier) March 30, 2026

Her bronze medal along with Medina’s from the 2016 Rio Paralympics, now stands as a shared symbol of perseverance. 

Both medals were donated by Dumapong-Ancheta and Medina’s family. For Dumapong-Ancheta, the decision to part with her prized possession was never difficult.

“Hindi siya naging mahirap ibigay sa akin. Because I’ve always known it’s not really for me. Lalo na when I realized that when I compete, I don’t compete for myself. I compete for the Philippines and the sector na marginalized at that time,” she said.

“Sabi nga nila i-rereplicate lang nila. Pero I said no I can give it, I can donate it. Because for me it’s really for the Filipino people,” the bronze medalist paralympian said.

The ceremony also honored the legacy of Josephine Medina, with her nephew Buddy Acosta expressing gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission for recognizing her contributions to the nation.

Officials and members of the para sports community, including PSC commissioners Walter Torres and Bong Coo, Philippine Paralympic Committee president Michael Barredo, and athletes Angel Mae Otom and Cendy Asusano, gathered for the unveiling — a moment that signaled not just remembrance, but progress.

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