“We cannot do it alone”: Angel Mae Otom and Adeline Dumapong Ancheta urge awareness and support for Para Sports

The third edition of the Women in Sports Awards took center stage at the Philippine International Convention Center on Friday, March 20, celebrating the remarkable achievements of Filipino women athletes across multiple disciplines. The annual event continues to shine a spotlight on excellence in sports while championing inclusivity, empowerment, and the continued growth of women’s participation in athletics nationwide.

Among the standout honorees were para sports trailblazers Adeline Dumapong Ancheta and Angel Mae Otom, both recognized for their contributions to Philippine sports and their role in elevating awareness for athletes with disabilities.

Otom emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, taking home the Para Athlete of the Year award following a dominant showing at the 2026 ASEAN Para Games in Thailand, where she captured five gold medals and one silver. The young para swimmer also etched her name in the record books by breaking an 18-year-old mark in the women’s 100-meter backstroke, further cementing her status as one of the country’s rising stars in para sports.

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Meanwhile, Dumapong Ancheta, a true pioneer in Philippine athletics, was honored for her enduring legacy. She made history at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics by becoming the first Filipino to win a medal in the Paralympic Games, securing a bronze in powerlifting—an achievement that opened doors for future generations of para athletes in the country.

Now 52, Dumapong Ancheta continues to be a leading advocate for the growth and recognition of para sports in the Philippines. She emphasized the importance of building a strong support system for athletes with disabilities, noting that even simple acts such as raising awareness can have a meaningful impact.

SUPPORTING CHAMPIONS BEYOND LIMITS 🇵🇭🤝

Retired Paralympic powerlifter Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta emphasized the need for continued support and respect for para athletes as they carry the Philippine flag with pride in competitions here and abroad. pic.twitter.com/M4YNs6vLnn

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) March 22, 2026

“Siguro, kasi palaging as an advocate, palagi kong sinasabi na kailangan namin ng mga allies, mga kakampi, because we really cannot do it alone. And one of the most practical things siguro ay yung pag-suporta,” Dumapong Ancheta said during the event.

“Paano ipapakita ang pag-suporta? Siguro, we talk of things like this. Alam mo yun, we share topics like this in social media. Napaka-importante nun because I think it is the only way to really gisingin ang kamalya ng mga tao, ng bawat Pilipino na kasama kami, nandito din kami. We can share the stories of yung mga ordinaryo na mga atleta na may kapansanan. So yun lang naman yung sa tingin ko na most practical for now,” she added.

Echoing the same sentiment, Otom highlighted the progress that para sports has made in recent years, while also stressing the need for continued visibility and support. She pointed out that increased exposure—particularly through digital platforms—can inspire more individuals with disabilities to pursue sports and chase their dreams.

“Noon po kasi hindi po talaga masyadong, kulang pa ang suporta dahil siyempre pausbong pa lang po ang para-sports. And sa ngayon I feel lucky din po kasi sa ngayon mas naging aware na din po lahat ng tao na meron din mga para-athletes na lumalaban sa ibang bansa. Patuloy lang din po kayo na i-feature nyo yung mga para athlete.

“So sa konting tingin lang sa Facebook, baka ma-post sa Facebook, may mga PWD (person with disabilities) na nag-phone na may kita nila, ay ganito pala, pwede pa pala akong lumaban, pwede din pala akong sumali sa mga ganito. Pwede nilang makamit yung mga pangarap nila,” Otom continued.

Beyond individual accolades, the Women in Sports Awards underscored a broader movement toward inclusivity and equal opportunity in Philippine sports. The event served not only as a celebration of achievements but also as a platform to amplify voices advocating for greater support, accessibility, and recognition for all athletes—regardless of gender or physical ability.

As the landscape of Philippine sports continues to evolve, figures like Dumapong Ancheta and Otom remain at the forefront of change, inspiring a new generation to break barriers and redefine what is possible both on and off the field.

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