In recognition to their efforts and performance during the 2024 ParaOlympics, the six Filipino para-athletes were greeted with a heroes welcome in the Malacañang palace this afternoon of September 12.
In a courtesy call, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and the First family welcomed and greeted the Filipino delegation who recently competed in the Paralympics 2024.
Even without medals, most of the athletes were able to set their new personal best records, thus, worthy to be recognized for their efforts during the competition.
Among the athletes were Javelin thrower Cendy Asusano and swimmer Angel Otom, who both had their debut in the paralympic stage, while wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan entered the finals of his sports category.
Swimmer Ernie Gawilan, archer Agustina Bantiloc, and taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin also deserved recognition following their exemplary performance in the Paralympics.
During the heroes welcome, the six athletes were hereby awarded with presidential citations, recognizing their performance and contribution to the country after their Olympic stint.
Aside from the presidential citations, the athletes also received P1 million each, awarded by the office of the President, as a cash incentive for their efforts and hard work in bearing the Philippine flag in the during the competition.