Filipino para athlete Agustina Batinloc from Baguio City proudly waved the Philippine flag at the opening of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France on August 28, 2024.

This is Batinloc’s first Paralympic Games appearance.

Batinloc earned her spot at the Paris Paralympics through the Bipartite Commission invitation and by meeting the qualification standards.

Ernie Gawilan, in his third Paralympic Games, expressed his pride in being a flag bearer.

“Proud ako kasi isa ako sa napiling flag bearer kasi hindi naman lahat ng atleta nakakapasok sa Paralympics. Proud ako na iwagayway yung bandila [ng Pilipinas] sa buong mundo,” he said.

Gawilan said his disability has not stopped him from pursuing his dreams.

“Sana maraming ma-inspire sa mga gagawin namin, yun nga hindi hadlang kapansanan para maabot ang gustong mga pangarap sa buhay,” he added.

Alongside Batinloc and Gawilan, other Filipino para athletes include Jerrold Mangliwan, Cendy Asusano, Angel Mae Otom, and Allain Ganapin.

They are part of the 4,350 para athletes from 160 countries competing in the games.

The 2024 Paris Paralympic Games will run until September 8.