Philippines brings home 34 gold medals to finish fifth in Cambodia ASEAN Para Games

The 2023 ASEAN Para Games had its closing ceremony in Cambodia on Friday as the Philippines finished fifth with 34 gold medals, 33 silver medals, and 50 bronze medals.

The overall medal tally surpassed the country's haul in the previous edition, which saw a total of 28 gold, 30 silver, and 46 bronze medals in Solo, Indonesia.

Para chess athletes had 13 gold medals, while para athletics and para swimming had 10 golds each. Marydol Pamati-an won the country's lone gold medal from powerlifting.

Para Games chef de mission and Philippine Sports Commission commissioner Walter Francis Torres lauded the para athletes' success in the Cambodia games.

"I am honored and overjoyed to congratulate everyone on your remarkable performances and astounding achievements in the 12th ASEAN Para Games. These achievements have not only brought glory once again to the Philippines but also serve as inspirations and motivations to future generations of para-athletes," Torres said in a statement.

The next edition of the ASEAN Para Games will be held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand in January 2026.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/JMB, GMA Integrated News