Ernie Gawilan wins Philippines' first gold in 2023 Asian Para Games

Veteran para swimmer Ernie Gawilan won the Philippines' first gold medal in this year's edition of the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China.

Gawilan on Tuesday night clocked in 4:58.29 to reign supreme in the 400-meter freestyle S7 event.

Singapore's Soong Toh Wei finished second with 5:12.16, while China's Huang Xiangquan placed third with 5:16.33.

Aside from Gawilan, para athletics' Jerrold Mangliwan bagged the country's first silver medal as he logged a new personal best of 18.65 in the men's 100m - T52 para athletics event.

The Philippines already has four medals in the Asian Para Games with two bronze medals from Gawilan (men's 200M IM - SM7) and para swimmer Gary Bejino (men's 100M freestyle S6).

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News