A hero's welcome awaits the six competitors from the just-ended Paris Paralympics.
Archer Agustina Bantiloc, taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin, wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan, javelin thrower Cendy Asusano, and swimmers Angel Otom and Ernie Gawilan will all be part of the ceremony happening at the Malacanang Palace.
Just like the Olympians
Similar to how Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. hosted a special event for the members of the Philippine Olympic team last month, the national para athletes will also be honored the same way.
The Philippine Sports Commission, led by chairman Richard Bachmann, supported the six Paralympians and the Philippine delegation throughout their training and preparation for the team's participation in the city of light and love.
In addition, PPC director for parasports development Milette Bonoan, Team Philippines chef de mission Ral Rosario, and PPC Secretary General Goody Custodio were present to assist the Paralympians during their two-week competition.
The Philippines as a generous country for athletes
In the opening ceremony's parade of nations, the Philippines was recognized for offering significant financial rewards to its paralympic gold winners.
Last month, two-time gold medalist Carlos Yulo received over P70 million in gifts and incentives for his unparalleled success in the Paris Olympics.
Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz experienced the same fate when she won the country’s first-ever Olympic gold in the Tokyo Games in 2021.
However, no Paralympians made it to the podium this year.
