President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. hosted a ceremony at Malacañang Palace on Thursday to honor the Filipino para athletes who participated in the 2024 Paris Paralympics, presenting them with cash incentives for their efforts to raise the nation's flag in the games.
LOOK: Pres. @bongbongmarcos, pinarangalan ang 6 na Filipino Paralympians na sumabak sa 2024 Paralympic Games sa Paris @dzrhnews pic.twitter.com/4OKNtrjPJW
— leth narciso (@leth_narciso) September 12, 2024
PH Para athletes present at the courtesy call were Ernie Gawilan (swimming), Agustina Bantiloc (archery), Angel Otom (swimming), Cendy Asusano (athletics), Jerrold Mangliwan (wheelchair racing), and Allain Ganapin (taekwond).
Each athlete received P1 million from the Office of the President (OP) and was also presented with a presidential citation.
Binigyan rin ni Pres. @bongbongmarcos ng tig-P1M cash incentives ang Paralympians na sina Cendy Asusano, Agustina Bantiloc, Allain Ganapin, Jerrold Pete Mangliwan, Ernie Gawilan, at Angel Otom @dzrhnews pic.twitter.com/sPQWAGvm6Z
— leth narciso (@leth_narciso) September 12, 2024
The awards were presented by the President, along with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Philippine Paralympic Committee President Michael Barredo.
The President was joined at the ceremony by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and their sons, Vincent and Simon.
The Philippines returned home without a medal, but all six para athletes delivered strong performances.
Angel Otom finished 5th and 6th in the women’s 50 meters butterfly - S5 and 50 meters backstroke - S5 finals, respectively.
Ernie Gawilan, another Philippine para swimmer, secured 6th place in the men’s 400 meters freestyle - S7 finals.
Filipino wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan achieved eighth place in the men’s 400-meter T52 event.
Filipina para archer Agustina Bantiloc launched the country’s Paralympics campaign with a strong performance, achieving her best mark of the season, despite finishing last in the women’s individual compound open ranking round.
