BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

As the 2024 Paris Paralympics unfold, Filipino athletes continue to showcase their resilience, determination, and unyielding spirit on the global stage. This year’s delegation includes a diverse mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, all of whom exemplify the essence of overcoming obstacles in the face of adversity. From the swimming lanes to the track fields, each of these athletes is writing a new chapter in the Philippines’ Paralympic journey. 

Leading the Philippine team is Ernie Gawilan, a celebrated para swimmer who has long been a beacon of hope for Filipino athletes with disabilities. Gawilan, the first Filipino to win gold at the Asian Para Games, once again made waves in the men’s 400m freestyle S7 event at the Paris Paralympics. Despite tough competition, he finished an impressive sixth in the finals, reaffirming his status as one of the top para swimmers in Southeast Asia.

Gawilan’s journey, marked by overcoming childhood polio and the loss of both legs, is one of sheer perseverance. His commitment to his craft is a testament to how sports can serve as a powerful tool for empowerment, especially for persons with disabilities (PWDs). While he didn’t clinch a podium finish this year, his achievements continue to inspire Filipinos, both abled and disabled.

Another standout on Team Philippines is Angel Otom, a 20-year-old para swimmer who has made a significant splash in her Paralympic debut. Otom’s finals appearance in both the women’s 50m butterfly and 50m backstroke events, finishing fifth and sixth respectively, signals a bright future for Filipino para athletes. Her four-gold-medal haul at the 2023 ASEAN Para Games further underscores her potential to dominate in future competitions.

For Jerrold Mangliwan, a wheelchair racer competing in his third Paralympics, the 2024 Games marked a significant milestone. At 44, Mangliwan competed in both the men’s 100m and 400m T52 events, showing grit and tenacity, though he did not secure a medal. Mangliwan’s long-standing commitment to wheelchair racing continues to serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes who are faced with similar challenges.

Cendy Asusano, a para-athlete known for her strength in javelin throw, narrowly missed the podium with a personal best that placed her fourth. Her participation, however, remains a testament to the increasing opportunities for Filipino athletes with disabilities. The same can be said for Agustina Bantiloc, who made history as the first Filipino Paralympic archer. At 55, Bantiloc’s debut at the Games is a reminder that age is no barrier when one has the determination to succeed.

Beyond individual achievements, the Philippines’ participation in the Paralympics also highlights the country’s broader commitment to supporting persons with disabilities. The Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities (Republic Act 7277) provides equal rights and opportunities for PWDs, including access to sports. This law ensures that Filipino para athletes are given the support they need to compete internationally.

Additionally, the Accessibility Law (Batas Pambansa 344) mandates the creation of facilities and infrastructures that allow PWDs to participate in everyday activities without hindrance. This includes provisions for accessible sports venues and training centers, empowering athletes like Gawilan, Otom, and others to hone their talents in an inclusive environment.

The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) plays a pivotal role in advancing policies and programs that uplift the PWD community. From organizing sports events to providing financial aid, the NCDA’s efforts aim to bridge the gap between opportunities for abled and disabled athletes.

The stories of these athletes go beyond the sporting arena. Their participation at the 2024 Paris Paralympics serves as a powerful reminder that success is not measured solely by medals, but by the determination and spirit to overcome obstacles. They represent a Philippines that is resilient, hopeful, and ever-determined to shine on the global stage.

As they continue their journey, these athletes are not just inspiring their fellow Filipinos but also challenging societal perceptions about what it means to be disabled. They are proof that with the right support and unbreakable will, anything is possible.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from Philippine Sports Commission Facebook Page