SENATOR Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has filed Senate Resolution No. 377 seeking the upper chamber’s highest commendation for the 101-strong Philippine contingent to the Asian Beach Games for delivering the country’s highest-ever finish in the history of the regional competition.
The team’s fifth-place finish overall — next to host China, Thailand, Iran, and Vietnam — marks a significant leap from the Philippines’ 17th-place standing in 2016.
“Their exceptional achievement and rise in the Asian medal standings, built through years of dedication and hard work, have brought immense pride and honor to the nation. They are truly deserving of the highest recognition and praise,” Estrada said.
“This historic finish further raises the bar for Philippine sports and underscores what Filipino athletes can achieve with adequate support and effective sports development programs,” he also said.
The biennial multi-sport event, held from April 22 to 30 this year in Sanya, People’s Republic of China and organized by the Olympic Council of Asia, gathered over 1,600 athletes from 45 countries.
The Philippine delegation captured nine medals — three gold, four silver, and two bronze, highlighting the nation’s growing strength in beach and water-based sports. Gold medalists included Leonard Grospe (men’s high jump), Annie Ramirez (women’s 57-kg), and Alexandria Luz Enriquez (women’s 63-kg), while the Gilas Pilipinas Women secured silver in the 3×3 basketball.
Other silver medalists were windsurfer Dhenver John Castillo, jiu-jitsu athlete Emily Thomas, and the women’s relay team of Jessica Rose Laurance, Kristina Marie Knott, Lianne Diana Pama, and Shane Joy Ponce. Bronze medalists included Laurance (60-meter dash) and Jenna Kaila Napolis (jiu-jitsu).
“By conquering new heights in the Asian Beach Games, our athletes have shown what Filipinos can accomplish with proper backing. Their victory is not only theirs, but the nation’s,” Estrada said.