Jinggoy hails Team PH’s biggest Asiad medal haul in 60 years; seeks Senate commendation
SENATOR Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has filed a resolution seeking the Senate’s recognition of the Philippine delegation to the recently concluded Asian Games, for ably representing the country and achieving its biggest medal haul in six decades.
“This is a proud moment for the entire Filipino nation. Our athletes have shown that Filipino talents, with exceptional skills, discipline, and determination, can go head-to-head and prevail against the best in Asia,” Estrada said in filing Senate Resolution No. 747.
The Asian Games, held every four years and recognized by the International Olympic Committee, is the continent’s largest multi-sport event and the second-largest in the world after the Olympic Games.
The 447-member Philippine contingent to the 20th Asian Games, held from September 19 to October 4, 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, delivered an impressive performance, bringing home a total of 29 medals (four gold, nine silver, and 16 bronze), surpassing the country’s 18-medal haul at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
It was the Philippines’ best performance since the 1966 Asiad in Bangkok, Thailand, and earned the country 17th place in the overall medal standings.
Leading the Philippine medal campaign were world-class athletes Carlos Edriel Yulo, who captured two gold medals in the men’s floor exercise and vault in artistic gymnastics; Ernest John Obiena, who won gold in the men’s pole vault; and Jeus Gabriel Derick Yape, who won gold in the mixed individual virtual taekwondo event.
The country’s nine silver medals came from athletes and teams in basketball, archery, boxing, jiu-jitsu, mixed martial arts, sepak takraw, and taekwondo. The 16 bronze medals, meanwhile, were earned across a wide range of disciplines, including athletics, beach volleyball, esports, jiu-jitsu, karate, mixed martial arts, sepak takraw, soft tennis, surfing, taekwondo, tennis, and weightlifting.
Estrada noted that the variety of medals, including the country’s podium finishes in esports, surfing, and soft tennis, shows the breadth of Filipino talent.
“Hindi lang isang sports ang nagbigay ng karangalan sa bansa. Mula sa gymnastics hanggang esports, mula sa boxing hanggang tennis, ipinakita ng ating mga atleta na malawak at malalim ang talento ng mga Pilipino,” Estrada said.
The resolution describes the delegation as flag ambassadors who showed the country’s resilience, indomitable spirit, and athletic prowess before the international community. It adds that their commitment to excellence, driven by patriotism and years of disciplined preparation and rigorous training, merits the commendation of the Philippine Senate.
“Sa bawat laban, dala nila ang bandila ng Pilipinas. Ang kanilang tagumpay ay tagumpay ng buong bansa, at inspirasyon ito sa mga kabataang nangangarap ding makapagbigay ng karangalan sa Pilipinas,” Estrada added.
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