The Philippines delivered a performance to remember at the 14th ASEAN School Games (ASG), improving to fourth overall in the final standings.
With 43 total medals, 11 gold, 10 silver, and 22 bronze, Team Philippines firmly secured its position among the region’s top-performing delegations after placing sixth in last year’s edition. They received a heroes’ welcome at the airport on Friday night, greeted by families, officials, and supporters celebrating the country’s milestone finish.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara cited that the finish underscored the steady momentum in youth sports development aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s direction to strengthen school-based athletics and expand opportunities for learner-athletes nationwide.
“Mission accomplished kayo! Beyond the medals, your grit and discipline reminded us why we must keep strengthening school sports and supporting every young Filipino athlete. Maraming salamat sa tapang, husay, at dangal na inalay ninyo para sa Pilipinas,” Angara said.
Athletics powered the surge, emerging as the country’s most dominant medal source. Jhul Ian Cañalita of Bohol shattered the Boys’ 3,000-meter record with an 8:47.52 finish. Ma. Lhynette Libranda of NCR broke a six-year-old Girls’ 100-meter hurdles record in the semifinals with 14.20 seconds, then surpassed it with 13.82 in the finals. NCR’s Anthony Cariaso added a double gold in the Boys’ 800-meter and 1,500-meter runs.
The Philippines also regained its basketball crown, with both the Boys’ and Girls’ squads going undefeated to reclaim the ASEAN School Games title.
Wushu added one silver and two bronze medals, rounding out the Philippines’ podium tally.
Supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the delegation was led by Chef de Mission Dr. Miguel Angelo Mantaring, Director IV of the DepEd Bureau of Learner Support Services, with Deputy Chef de Mission Cesar Abalon, Chief of the BLSS School Sports Division.
The Philippine delegates competed alongside nine ASEAN nations across eight sports: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Swimming, Netball, Pencak Silat, Sepak Takraw, and Wushu.
